By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
The body of a Midland man who disappeared while kayaking off South Padre Island over Labor Day weekend has been recovered following a multi-day search.
Cameron County Park Rangers and Texas Game Wardens recovered the body of 59-year-old William Raney at approximately 2:21 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.
The search began Saturday afternoon after a concerned beachgoer flagged down a Cameron County Park Ranger approximately one-quarter mile north of Cameron County Beach Access No. 6. The witness reported seeing a kayaker offshore before losing sight of him.
Park Rangers began searching the area while the U.S. Coast Guard deployed two aircraft and a boat.
During a six-hour search Saturday, Coast Guard crews covered approximately 168 nautical miles before turning the search over to Cameron County Park Rangers and Cameron County Beach Patrol.
Raney’s empty kayak was recovered during the search, but he was not initially located.
Search efforts continued in the following days, with Texas Game Wardens eventually joining Park Rangers on the water.
Authorities located and recovered Raney’s body Tuesday afternoon. His next of kin was notified.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death remain under investigation.
The incident also prompted authorities to remind those heading onto the water of the importance of taking precautions before kayaking. Coast Guard officials have emphasized wearing an approved life jacket, carrying appropriate safety equipment and letting someone know where a person plans to be on the water and when they expect to return.