Man Allegedly Attacks His Wife At Sea, She Clings to Boat and Survives

A Florida man has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder after allegedly trying to kill his wife during a fishing trip 33 miles off the coast of Bean Point on Sunday, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by The New York Post.

Douglas Naeher, 60, was taken into custody on Monday following an investigation into a violent series of events that took place on his 30-foot Sterling boat.

According to court documents, Naeher and his wife, who has not been publicly identified, launched the boat from their private dock in Holmes Beach. The victim reported that her husband appeared tense and angry from the outset.

EVIL ATTEMPTED MURDERING SCUMBAG DOUGLAS NAEHER TRIED TO MURDER HIS WIFE OUT AT SEA BUT THE JOKE IS ON HIM AS SHE SURVIVED!! ENJOY YOUR PRISON TIME DOUGLAS!!https://t.co/jDF04mPSxF

— CasperOtto (@BRRRCO) July 25, 2025

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While seated on a “bean bag chair” at the rear of the vessel, Naeher’s fishing line snapped, which the victim stated triggered a sudden and extreme outburst of rage.

In fear for her safety, she jumped into the water, clinging to a rope tied to the boat and using a pool noodle for flotation.

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The victim told investigators that Naeher then untied the rope and sped away, leaving her in open water. She said he returned only after spotting another boat in the vicinity.

When she attempted to climb back aboard, Naeher allegedly struck her repeatedly in the head and stomped on her with both feet once she collapsed onto the deck.

According to her account, she feigned unconsciousness in an effort to stop the assault. However, the violence continued. Naeher allegedly dragged her by the hair to the rear of the boat, attempted to strangle her, and held her head underwater while shouting, “I’m going to kill you.”

Believing she was dead, Naeher reportedly pushed her back overboard. The victim said she managed to survive by locking her feet around a ladder attached to the boat and was dragged behind the vessel.

At some point, she was able to climb back aboard. When Naeher discovered her again, he allegedly resumed the assault, punched and stomped her again, and pushed her back into the water.

The woman told police she then secured herself to the boat using a line that was hanging from the back and was pulled all the way back to their dock.

As Naeher docked the vessel, unaware that she was still alive and attached, she climbed back on the boat, fled the scene, and ran to the Holmes Beach Police Department.

She was transported to Blake Hospital and treated for a severe concussion, contusions, bruising on her arms and neck, and an eye swollen shut.

Naeher was arrested the following day and charged with attempted first-degree murder. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case.

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