Florida Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Wife 30 Miles Offshore
A Florida man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly launching a brutal attack on his wife during a fishing trip more than 30 miles off the coast of Manatee County.
Douglas Naeher, 60, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder after authorities say he tried multiple times to kill his wife during a terrifying ordeal at sea on July 20.
According to an arrest affidavit from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the couple left their home in Holmes Beach around 7 a.m. aboard Naeher’s 30-foot Sterling center console boat for a Sunday fishing excursion. The two had been married for three years and together for six.
The victim later told police she noticed Naeher acting “off” during the trip—more irritable and quiet than usual. Upon reaching a spot about 33 miles offshore near Bean Point, Naeher became “irate” after his fishing line snapped. To avoid conflict, the woman said she got into the water to float near the boat on a pool noodle, holding a rope connected to the vessel.
Naeher allegedly untied the rope and put the boat in gear, leaving her behind in the open ocean. The victim said she believed he only returned when he noticed another boat in the distance and feared being seen abandoning her.
When she climbed back aboard, the affidavit states Naeher attacked her, punching her repeatedly in the head and stomping on her face. The woman told authorities she slipped in and out of consciousness and eventually pretended to be dead in an effort to survive.
But the violence allegedly continued. Naeher dragged her by the hair and pushed her back into the ocean. Once in the water, he allegedly attempted to strangle and drown her, screaming, “I’m going to f—ing kill you!”
Despite her injuries, the woman managed to cling to the boat’s rear ladder. Naeher reportedly began dragging her behind the boat, seemingly unaware she was still attached. When he stopped, she climbed back aboard—only for him to shove her into the sea again.
Clinging to life, the woman spotted a rope dangling from the back of the boat and wrapped it around her ankle as Naeher tried to speed away a second time. She climbed back aboard yet again as they neared the dock and jumped off before he could assault her further.
She later sought help and reported the incident to law enforcement. The sheriff’s office noted the woman suffered a concussion and multiple bruises from the repeated assaults.
Naeher was arrested and is being held without bond. Authorities have not released the victim’s name, citing privacy and safety concerns.
The case has shocked the local community and raised awareness of domestic violence in even the most isolated and unexpected settings. The investigation remains ongoing.
