Man Drowns Near Gulfport Casino

GULFPORT, FL — A 53-year-old man is dead following what Gulfport Police say is a likely accidental drowning that occurred in Boca Ciega Bay near the Gulfport Casino Monday afternoon.

According to police, officers were sent on a water rescue call around 12:47 p.m. when a witness on a boat called 911 saying he had heard a man yelling and saw what appeared to be a person in distress in the water.

The witness said he launched his dinghy in an attempt to help the man, but was unable to reach him. He was able, however, to give the man a personal flotation device, an email from the police department said.

After giving the man the flotation device, the witness went back to his boat and called 911, police said.

Gulfport Police officers responded to the scene and found a man “wearing an orange personal flotation device and white underpants,” an email from the agency said. One officer attempted chest compressions while the other brought the agency’s boat back to the Gulfport Casino dock.

The man was transported to Palms of Pasadena hospital, but was pronounced dead.

The man’s name is not being released at this time. Police say the preliminary investigation indicates an accidental drowning that is believed to involve alcohol.

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