Drowning victim off Siesta Key shore identified

The Sarasota Police Department announced that its officers and Sarasota County Fire Rescue units discovered a drowning victim 200 yards offshore of Siesta Key around 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29.

Sarasota Fire Rescue used a private boat to reach the victim, which was deceased upon arrival.

Sarasota Police Officer Bruce King transported the victim’s body to the boat ramps of Ken Thompson Park, using the Sarasota Police Department boat.

The victim has been identified as Karl W. Bartholomew, 61, of Sarasota.

Witnesses advised that they observed a swimmer snorkeling in the area at about 8:30 a.m. and observed him floating minutes later. A boater also observed something floating in the water.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Riley at 954-7062.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].