Fort Myers Beach boats post Hurricane Ian are still strewn up and down roadways, in mangroves, homes and businesses. Removing them has proven to be a challenge.
Aerial view of boats grounded by Hurricane Ian on San Carlos Island.
The photos posted below are from last week. I went to the beach area to help a friend with recovery. It had been a month since the storm and although things were looking a little better in some areas, I think they looked worse in others. With some of the debris removed, I could see more of the damage.
Fort Myers Beach stop
We stopped into Bonita Bills, an iconic rustic bar on San Carlos Island, the bay side of the beach. It is next to the popular Dixie Fish Company which is also severally damaged. The docks are precarious at best.
Bonita’s is not open for business but several regulars gathered to check on each other. Others were trying to help upright smaller boats that they could reach from the damaged docks. All of this while taking pictures and navigating a huge yacht out of the water and on the dock. It’s nearly inside of the bar. It almost looked like it was suppose to be there. Like some prop is a nautical themed restaurant. Picture is above.
In addition, here is a video of the boat and more of the surrounding damage to Dixie Fish and the shrimp boat fleet.
This is just one small area of Southwest Florida.
Damage to marinas, docks and boats from Hurricane Ian is unprecedented. It stretches up and down the Southwest Florida coastline as well as inland. If you have a boat in your yard or trying to locate yours, this story might help you.
Giant cranes are now stationed in the area above, on Fort Myers Beach trying to help remove and save the shrimp boats. It’s a slow process as each boat is as unique as it’s grounded position.
Here are some more pictures of Fort Myers Beach boats post Hurricane Ian
