Two Bodies Recovered in Marco Island Water; Jet-Ski Crash Under Investigation

Tragedy struck Marco Island on Sunday afternoon when authorities recovered two bodies from the water near Caxambas Court, triggering a marine investigation that is now focusing on a suspected jet ski collision.

At approximately 3:42 p.m., the Collier County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the presence of two individuals in the water off Caxambas Court, located on the southern stretch of Marco Island. Deputies dispatched their marine unit and seaworthy teams to the scene, where the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has since taken lead on the investigation.

According to preliminary findings, the two people were aboard a personal watercraft when it struck a docked vessel on a boat lift. The force of the impact reportedly threw both occupants into the water, and by the time rescuers arrived, both individuals had already died.

Neighbors and witnesses in adjacent areas described moments of shock when emergency crews converged on the canal behind local homes. Several reported hearing a sudden roar of an engine and then frantic response from rescue vessels. Some saw bodies being recovered from the water, while others noted debris floating near a damaged dock or watercraft.

The identities of the two deceased have been confirmed by FWC as a Marco Island couple: 67-year-old Stephen R. Mariani and his wife, 49-year-old Rita Mariani. Authorities say both were thrown from their jet ski upon impact and succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Stephen Mariani was formerly a Marco Island law enforcement officer.

As the investigation proceeds, authorities are seeking any witnesses or surveillance footage that might help reconstruct the moments before impact. The FWC has urged anyone with information to come forward.

This heartbreaking event highlights the inherent risks of watercraft use in busy bays and canals—especially near docks and moored vessels. While recreational boating is a staple of coastal living, incidents like this underscore the need for vigilance, speed control, careful navigation, and adherence to safety protocols.

For residents of Marco Island and Collier County, this tragedy will not soon recede from memory. As investigators continue gathering evidence, the community will await answers—and hope that such a devastating loss is never repeated.