Recent Florida Boating Accidents Where Boaters Went Missing
Hundreds of boating accidents happen in Florida each year. Some of the most common causes of these accidents are collisions, inclement weather, and operator inexperience. In some instances, a boater or boaters may go missing. During these cases, an extensive search is generally conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard or another agency.
At Mase Mebane Seitz, we help victims who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in boating accidents throughout Miami and South Florida. Our dedicated legal team can help you maximize your damages, ensuring you receive the largest recovery for your case.
If you were involved in a Florida boating accident, contact our office at (305) 487-8863 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Here are 5 times people went missing during Florida boating accidents in 2022:
March 2022 – Coast Guard Rescues 3 Off New Port Richey Coast
In March 2022, 3 boaters were rescued off the coast of New Port Richey by the United States Coast Guard. The trio was originally located by good samaritans.
According to WFLA, the vessel they were in had become disabled. Reports indicate that the boaters disembarked their 21-foot recreational boat at approximately 2:40 am before going missing.
July 2022 – Missing Boaters Rescued in Taylor County
Two boaters were found alive off the coast of Taylor County in July of 2022, according to WCTV. The boaters left from Hagens Cove on a Saturday afternoon before getting caught in thunderstorms. When they were unable to outrun the store, they reportedly tried to anchor the boat.
The vessel capsized and sank, leaving three boaters stranded in the water with their life jackets. Tragically, one of the men did not survive. The other two boaters, including a 14-year-old boy, were located and rescued by a group of civilian searchers.
August 2022 – Florida Doctor Missing After Boat Found Empty off Sanibel Island Coast
In August 2022, a 49-year-old doctor went missing after the vessel he was last seen on, Vitamin Sea, was found floating off the Sanibel Island Coast. People Magazine reports that the doctor could not be located after an exhaustive search. He remains missing.
October 2022 – Search Suspended for Hurricane Ian Boaters
The search has been suspended for a couple who went missing during Hurricane Ian. Local News 10 states that officials with the United States Coast Guard announced the end of their weeklong search and rescue mission after the pair could not be located. The husband, wife, and their dog were last seen aboard their boat near Key West Harbor.
November 2022 – 67-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Lake
In November of last year, a 67-year-old man was found floating in Theresa Lake near Deltona, Florida. Reporting by CBS 12 indicates that the man’s body was discovered just hours after taking his pontoon boat for a ride.
Contact Our Office for a Free Case Evaluation
If you were involved in a Florida maritime accident, contact our office at (305) 487-8863 to schedule a free case evaluation. We have decades of experience helping individuals who have been injured in boating collisions throughout the state. Call now to get started.