Coast Guard searching for missing boater west of Sand Key

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Coast Guard is searching for a missing 58-year-old male boater approximately 25 miles west of Sand Key, Fla., Tuesday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Cortez received notification from the Sarasota County Deputy dispatch, Tuesday, that Christopher J. Macquarrie, a resident of Sand Key was reported as missing after failing to return from his snorkeling trip by the time indicated on his float plan.

An unidentified woman called the sheriff's department stating that she had received a voice message from Macquarrie saying he was going to do some snorkeling and planned to return by approximately 8:30 p.m., Monday.

Searching are:

Coast Guard Station Cortez 25-foot response boat crew
Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater Fla., MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter rescue crew
Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater C-130 Hercules rescue crew

Please check http://www.d7publicaffairs.com/ for updates.

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