On August 14, 2023, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was contacted by FWC Lt. in reference to an overdue boater.  I was informed OP1 was last seen on August 13, 2023, at approximately 11:00 AM launching his vessel for a fishing expedition in the Gulf of Mexico.  OP1’s family filed a missing persons report with New Port Richey Police Department on August 14, 2023, when he had not returned. FWC, USCG, and Pasco County Sheriff’s Department started search efforts by air and sea on August 14, 2023.  USCG air observed a vessel approximately 8.5 miles west of Hudson beach at approximately 6:30 PM on August 14, 2023.  The vessel was confirmed to be OP1’s vessel.  A search of the vessel revealed OP1 was not on board.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Marine unit towed the vessel to Hudson Beach boat ramp.  An inventory of the vessel revealed there was no GPS electronic equipment onboard that could aid in search efforts for OP1.  USCG and FWC air and water units continued search efforts until 9:30 PM on August 16, 2023.  At the time of this report OP1 has not been found.
Gulf of Mexico
HUDSON                        