Crews find body of missing boater in Belle Isle lake

BELLE ISLE, Fla. — The body of a missing 61-year-old man who didn’t return home from a fishing trip Friday night was found in the waters of Little Lake Conway in Belle Isle Saturday afternoon, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.

Rescuers found the body of Marvin Sweers shortly after 3:30 p.m., Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jeff Williamson said.

Crews had scoured the lake after Sweers' wife called 911 shortly before 6:30 a.m. Saturday after realizing that her husband hadn’t returned from the excursion.

Photos: Search for missing boater in Belle Isle

“His boat was discovered there at Big Lake Conway still running, but nobody was aboard,” Williamson said. “All the equipment was aboard at the time.”

The woman told investigators that Sweers uploaded two photographs to Facebook Friday night but that when she tried to call his cellphone in the morning, it went straight to voicemail.

She told deputies that her husband often goes fishing after work and occasionally remains on the water after nightfall.

“Every homeowner, almost, has a boat,” said Michael Jungen, who lives along the lake’s shores. “So it’s just not uncommon for somebody to be out there at any time of the day.”

Jungen said he noticed several firetrucks parked at a boat ramp near Hoffner and Hansel avenues while on his morning run.

“I just woke up to the sound of helicopters going over the lake,” he said. “Back and forth, back and forth.”

Personnel from the Sheriff’s Office, the Belle Isle Fire Department and Orange County Fire Rescue combed the lake using boats outfitted with sonar equipment.

Dive teams didn’t initially assist with the search effort because of the lake’s expansive size.

Williamson wouldn't specify where Sweers' body was found, and he said it's unknown why the man went into the water.

No other details were given.

Cox Media Group