Manatee Sheriff Investigates Drowning Near Passage Key

Detectives with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office are investigating a drowning that occurred Friday afternoon, September 18, 2026, near Passage Key off Anna Maria Island. The incident resulted in the death of one adult male.

Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a possible drowning at approximately 4:30 p.m. Friday. Two adults were swimming near their anchored boat just west of Passage Key when a rapidly incoming tide and a large wave submerged one of them. The victim did not resurface.

The other individual immediately contacted emergency services. West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County Emergency Medical Services personnel responded, located the victim and attempted life-saving measures. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is reminding the public to exercise extreme caution near the water, urging residents and visitors to be aware of rapidly changing tides, strong currents and breaking waves, which pose significant risks around sandbars and inlets.