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Florida windsurfer goes missing
A Merritt Island man has gone missing after he was windsurfing in the Banana River as Hurricane Idalia moved through Florida. One witness described watching the 60-year-old go under before calling for help.
MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. - Update: A body has been recovered from the Banana River where a 60-year-old windsurfer went missing Wednesday evening. Officials have been searching for Greggory Johnston after he went missing near Kelly Park in Merritt Island.
Tod Goodyear, spokesperson for Brevard County Sheriff's Office, said a body had been recovered, but that they were awaiting positive identification.
Original story:
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office is searching for a windsurfer who went missing near Merritt Island Wednesday evening.
Rescuers began searching for 60-year-old Greggory Johnston around 7 p.m. after he went missing in the Banana River near the area of Kelly Park in Merritt Island, officials said.
On Thursday, Coast Guard Officials and members of the FWC recovered the board and windsurfing sail near the eastern shore of the river, across from Kelly Park.
Deputies said they found Johnston's car still located at the park. Johnston is described as 5'11 inches tall, stocky build with gray hair, and was last seen wearing black shorts.
Tony Fitch told FOX 35 he was at the park with his dog, Rosie, and saw the surfer go under the water near the S.R. 528 bridge and immediately called 911. He said the water was rough at the time.
"The waves were coming in off the river almost 3 feet tall," he said. He's hoping for a miracle that they find Johnston save and OK.
Anyone who may have information about this incident are asked to please call Agent Andrew Weston of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office General Crimes Unit at 321-431-5460 or via the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at 321-633-7162.