Update: The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Sunday Wessam Shaer has died after a Kayaking incident on the water Saturday, January 31.
“Our sincere prayers go out to his family and friends in this tragedy. 
,” a social media post from the Sheriff’s Office account said.
The organization noted Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is in charge of the investigation into Shaer’s death.
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW:
An Aqua Alert has been issued for a 32-year-old man who went missing Saturday after his kayak capsized in Boggy Bayou near Lincoln Park, according to authorities.
Wessam Bassam Shaer was reported missing on Jan. 31, 2026, after a witness observed his kayak overturn in the water. The witness reported that Shaer did not resurface following the incident.
Authorities later located and removed the kayak from the water. Shaer was not with the vessel when it was recovered. A green jacket and beanie believed to belong to Shaer were also found in the area. His clothing at the time of the incident is otherwise unknown.
Shaer is described as a 32-year-old male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall.
Search efforts have been underway in Boggy Bayou since the incident. Officials are asking anyone who may have information related to Shaer’s disappearance to contact local law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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