Search
Close this search box.

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.
Contributed photo

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...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Go Lady Eagles 🦅 Carly King is the interception Queen!”
Respond
J Bridges commented on WordroW: April 17, 2026
“2:57”
Respond
Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 17, 2026
“1 min 49 sec”
Respond
Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 16, 2026
“1 minute”
Respond
“It looks like a video, but click to go LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/live/f56BJHhGkUI?si=ubvc25v7OhXtCo8h”
Respond
“It looks like it is a video, but click to go LIVE. https://www.youtube.com/live/f56BJHhGkUI?si=ubvc25v7OhXtCo8h”
Respond
“They needed this 10 years ago but it's awesome it's almost done. When they finish the exit on I-10, that will be the game changer.”
Respond
“When will they re renovating and building another restroom?”
Respond
“Thank you for bringing this wonderful organization to light-I had never heard of this but am so amazed at the level of giving and the support it provides to families-please...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.