In 2009, a fishing trip tragically ends with the deaths of two NFL professionals and an ex-college player. The sole survivor of the tragedy is now the focus of a film adaptation

It was February 2009 when a fishing trip in Tampa ended in tragedy. Three of four men on the boat drowned, only one survived.

According to “Fox 13”, a film is now being made about what happened back then. It will be called “Not Without Hope” and will tell the story of Nick Schuyler. The former football player of the South Florida Bulls (USF) was the only survivor of the accident.

Also on the boat at the time: Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, Lions defensive end Corey Smith and ex-USF player William Bleakley. All three perished when the boat capsized after the anchor became snagged and the engine was started to release the anchor.

Heroes of the deceased to be shown

“Nick is dedicated to one goal, and that is to show everyone that the most important thing about these guys was not their deaths, but the heroic deeds they did to keep each other alive, and that’s why he agreed to make this film,” explained producer Rick French.

The film is currently being shot on the island of Malta – in oversized water tanks. The sole survivor is played by Zachary Levi, who already portrayed Kurt Warner in American Underdog. Josh Duhamel, meanwhile, can be seen in the role of a coast guard commander.

The film is scheduled for release at the end of 2024.