RedactedNarrative: On 09/28/2022 at approximately 0846 eastern time, United States Coast Guard received a mariner in distress call on VHF channel 16.  The mariner was on a yellow kayak and was being overtaken by strong winds and sea conditions in the Gulf of Mexico approximately three (3) miles south of Cape San Blas, Gulf County, FL.  
  
  Prior to that, Operator had been on board a 28’ O’Day sailing vessel, but for unknown reasons abandoned that vessel and set out on the kayak.  As USCG was in radio contact with Operator up until 0949 hours, USCG vessel and air units as well as an FWC vessel were responding to search.  At approximately 1140 hours, Operator was found by USCG aircraft floating face down and recovered from the water onto the USCG vessel where lifesaving attempts were started by the crew.  
  
  USCG aircraft took photos of the kayak and sailing vessel which were in the general area of Operator’ location but they could not be recovered due to the weather and sea conditions.  Personal items floating near Operator were also recovered and helped in determining his identity.  Operator was brought to the Highland View Boat Ramp by USCG vessel and turned over to Gulf County EMS services and later transported to the medical examiner’s office where his death was determined to be from drowning.; 
  