State law enforcement agencies investigate propeller death near MacDill Air Force Base

State wildlife officials are investigating a fatal boating accident they believe occurred in Tampa Bay last month.

On July 17, a body was found near MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa that “showed marks consistent with a collision with a boat's propeller,” according to a press release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Investigators believe the victim had launched a blue kayak from Apollo Beach two days earlier.

Citing ongoing investigations, the state authority declined to provide any information identifying the victim.

When asked why the agency did not release information about the incident until more than a month later, a spokesperson replied: “The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office began the investigation, then turned it over to the FWC after more details became available due to the nature of the investigation.”

An archive of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office press releases shows there are no public announcements related to the incident regarding an investigation into the July deaths.

“After it was determined that a boating accident was the cause of death, the investigation was turned over to the FWC as per protocol, which would explain why we have not made any announcement,” said Phil Martello, a spokesman for the sheriff's office.

The state wildlife agency is asking boaters who witnessed a boating accident, an abandoned blue kayak or “any other suspicious activity” between July 15 and 17 to come forward with information.

Tipsters can call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text the keyword “FWC” to 847411 (Tip411).