A boater is missing in Sarasota waters. Multiple agencies have joined the search

A search for a missing boater in waters near South Lido Beach in Sarasota County is ongoing on Thursday night.

Emergency response was initiated around 4:45 p.m. Thursday when a boating accident was reported at South Lido Beach, 2201 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

The boater’s name and other identifying details have not been released.

Earlier in the afternoon, Sarasota Police Department officers and members of the department’s dive team began the search.

They were joined by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota County Emergency Services and agencies from Longboat Key and Venice.

FWC is now heading the investigation and will remain in the area overnight as the other agencies suspend the search due to darkness, police say.

The public has been asked to avoid the area.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 9:13 PM.