Public Safety

Body of missing kayaker recovered in Okaloosa County

Wessam Bassam Shaer, 32, went missing Saturday after a witness observed his kayak capsize near Lincoln Park in Valparaiso.

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

The body of a kayaker who went missing in Boggy Bayou on Saturday was recovered Sunday morning, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Wessam Bassam Shaer, 32, was recovered around 9:15 a.m. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation.

Shaer went missing Saturday near Lincoln Park in Valparaiso after a witness observed his kayak capsize, according to an Aqua Alert issued by the Sheriff’s Office. His kayak was located and removed from the water, but Shaer was not with it. His green jacket and beanie were also recovered.

“We are terribly saddened to report Wessam’s body was recovered this morning,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Our sincere prayers go out to his family and friends in this tragedy.”

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Giving Back

Sheriff’s office, school district launch Operation Jingle Bells for Okaloosa students in need

Public Safety

Okaloosa Sheriff thanks first responders from across Florida for Hurricane Isaias help

Public Safety

Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office urges boaters to slow down, watch for storm debris after Hurricane Isaias

Public Safety

DeSantis, Okaloosa officials give update from Okaloosa Island after Hurricane Isaias landfall

Timothy Franklin commented on Gap Creek flooding: Fort Walton Beach residents seek help as Okaloosa outlines projects, permitting hurdles

“Trusting in Trey Goodwin = INSANITY defined!! Year after year of empty promises... He's "frustrated". He doesn't know how to get it done - so it's about time to replace...”

Respond

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: October 23, 2026

“2:40, 6 attempts”

Lesley Butcher commented on HOW I WORK: An inside look at how Emerald Coast Vibe’s Tiffany Bechard balances events, entrepreneurship and a family of six

“I Love Tiffany, she is such a Joy to be around, so full of life , always ready to help. My kids went to Navarre high school with her and...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: October 22, 2026

“0:20, 3 attempts. Yowza!”

Lydia Weaver commented on HOW I WORK: An inside look at how Emerald Coast Vibe’s Tiffany Bechard balances events, entrepreneurship and a family of six

“I met Tiffany years ago at the Campus Cafe and always knew she would do great things . And she sure has and then same. So proud of her and...”

Tom commented on Gap Creek flooding: Fort Walton Beach residents seek help as Okaloosa outlines projects, permitting hurdles

“Could it be this area draining into Cinco Bayou is reason water quality there can’t pass standards? People living on and using that waterway should be up in arms to...”

“DUH….Maybe, just maybe this draining into Cinco Bayou is the reason Cinco’s water quality of late can’t pass the test????? MAYBE….YEP, MOST LIKELY!!”

Morgan Nolan commented on Gap Creek flooding: Fort Walton Beach residents seek help as Okaloosa outlines projects, permitting hurdles

“I have lived in Overbrook since 2021 and we have flooded 3 times. Our home is the one that flooded in 2024 from the rainstorm, and we had another flood...”

Keith kulow commented on City of Fort Walton Beach expects storm debris cleanup to begin midweek

“Estimated date cleanup for Lake Lorraine??”

W Taylor commented on Isaias debris cleanup: Where things stand in Okaloosa County, Fort Walton Beach

“If you think it’s bad here go to Gulf Breeze. It’ll take months to clean up there.”