Search continues for missing airboat passenger in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Fla. — The search continues for an airboat passenger who went overboard late Saturday afternoon in Melbourne.

Lake Washington Park and boat ramps remain closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic as the search presses on.

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said two people were on board when the boat driver reported the passenger went missing in the Lake Washington and St. John’s River areas.

It’s been a massive search with FWC drone teams and boats, plus Brevard County Sheriff’s Office dive teams scouring the area that the man was last seen.

Jennifer Ghiz comes to this park every day. But on his day it was filled with law enforcement.

“This morning, I can’t believe this has happened. It’s unbelievable. It’s devastating,” she said. 

Officials said family members are the only ones allowed inside the park at this time.

Ghiz’s daughter, Ava, is equally shocked.

“Lake Washington is really such a place I’ve made so many memories with friends and family, it’s just heartbreaking for such a tragedy to occur,” Ava said.

She and her mother are hoping for the best in this situation.

“I hope it comes to a happy conclusion, especially with Fourth of July coming up and everything,” Ava said.

“I pray that everything works out well for this family,” said Jennifer.

The man’s name has not yet been released and there’s no word on how long the search will go on.