FWC Press Release
Contact: Karen Parker (386) 758-0525

Two men were ejected from their boat on the Suwannee River near Fowlers Bluff Monday evening. One man remains missing.

Missing is Roderick Page, 22, of Chiefland. It is not known if he was wearing a life jacket.

The boat’s operator, Brian Norris, 28, of Chiefland, was able to make it to shore and then was transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

The two men were traveling south on-plane in a 12-foot aluminum johnboat powered by an outboard motor. Norris said a large fish jumped out of the water in front of the boat. Norris said he swerved, and both men were ejected into the water.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials continue to investigate and are attempting to determine whether a sturgeon was a contributing factor in the accident.

Personnel from the FWC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Coast Guard and Levy County Sheriff’s Office are conducting search-and-rescue operations.

In a continuing effort to promote safe boating, FWC encourages everyone to wear life jackets at all times while boating.