Three Mainers Killed and One Critically Injured in Florida Boating Accident Near Cape Coral Yacht Club
CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA — Authorities are investigating a fatal boating accident that killed three people from Maine and left another in critical condition after a vessel capsized near the Cape Coral Yacht Club over the weekend. The tragic crash occurred Saturday evening on a river in Cape Coral, just south of Fort Myers.
Boat Capsizes With Four People On Board
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the accident involved a 39-foot boat carrying four people when it suddenly overturned. Video from the scene showed the bottom of the boat visible above the water, confirming that it had flipped.
Despite an extensive search-and-rescue effort, three passengers — identified as Craig Millett, Brenna Millett, and Rebecca Knight — did not survive. The fourth person, Neal Kirby, was rescued but remains in critical condition.
Officials have not yet determined what caused the vessel to capsize. As of Monday, investigators said the crash remains under active investigation, and foul play has not been ruled out.
Victims Were Longtime Maine Residents
The Milletts — a married couple from Old Orchard Beach, Maine — split their time between Biddeford, Maine, and Cape Coral, Florida, where they had been renovating a vacation home. Friends describe them as experienced boaters who loved spending time on the water.
Craig Millett, the former owner of Champagne’s Energy in Arundel, sold his business to retire early and pursue a quieter life near the Gulf Coast. The couple were known in both states for their hospitality and involvement in local boating circles.
Also killed in the crash was Rebecca Knight, another Mainer who had met the Milletts in Florida and shared their love of boating. Friends say the three had formed a close bond over their shared Maine roots.
Recovery Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities reported that Brenna Millett and Rebecca Knight were found near the overturned vessel and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Craig Millett’s body was recovered the next day during an underwater search.
The surviving passenger, Neal Kirby, is currently being treated for severe injuries. Officials have not released updates on his condition but confirmed that he remains in critical care.
The FWC continues to investigate the cause of the incident, examining weather conditions, vessel mechanics, and potential operator error. The agency said no immediate signs of collision or obstruction were found near the accident site.
Remembering the Victims
Close family friend Owen Williams, who grew up with Craig Millett in Old Orchard Beach, said boating had been Craig’s lifelong passion. “He lived for the water,” Williams recalled. “They were both careful, experienced, and kind people who brought joy to everyone around them.”
The Milletts leave behind two adult children, both in their twenties, who currently reside in Maine.
As friends and family in Maine and Florida mourn the loss, investigators continue to search for answers surrounding what went wrong that night on the Cape Coral waters.
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