Friends and family continue search for missing kayaker

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Family and friends were back out Wednesday searching for a kayaker who disappeared last week.

The loved ones of missing kayaker Andrew Barber are living a real life nightmare.

“Devastated, devastated, you know the person you talk to every single day is suddenly not there to talk to,” said Mackenzie Kirk. “It’s hard to keep the faith, but we are definitely keeping positive, we want to keep his name out there and keep people looking for him.”

Kirk has been dating Barber for the last seven months, and says when he disappeared last Friday night, he was doing what he loved.

“He loved kayaking, that was one of the first things he told me when we met.”

Barber and a friend were heading to Picnic Island when their kayak capsized. The friend was able to swim back to shore, but Barber hasn’t been seen since.

“We know he did, is doing his best to hang on.”

They remember a guy seen in these pictures full of life and are still trying to piece together this unthinkable tragedy.

“You instantly love him, great personality.”

For days, they have covered an extensive area searching for any sign of Barber.

“On Saturday, I was hoping for a quick return, that he was going to be found and was carried out a ways,” Kirk told WINK News.

Looking on Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, in Naples, Bonita Springs and even Saint James City, making sure no stone is left unturned.

“It’s so important for us to have his name out there for everyone to remember Andrew, remember what he looks like.”

Barber’s family and friends say they will not give up the search until he is found. They tell WINK News they will be back on the water tomorrow.