7th Coast Guard District
U.S. Coast Guard
News Release
*Update* Coast Guard searching for missing boater near Sanibel Island
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Coast Guard is continuing their search for a missing 58-year-old male boater west of Sanibel Island, Fla., Wednesday.
A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk rescue crew was conducting a routine patrol when they spotted an unmanned boat matching the description of Christopher J. Macquarrie's 26-foot pleasure craft, at approximately 11:06 a.m., 38 miles west of Sanibel Island.
Searching are:
- Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter rescue crew
- Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater C-130 Hercules rescue crew
- A rescue crew from the Coast Guard Cutter Marlin, an 87-foot patrol boat from Fort Myers Beach, Fla.
- Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach 33-foot Special Purpose Craft - Law Enforcement boat crew
Coast Guard Station Cortez received notification from the Sarasota County Deputy dispatch, Tuesday, that Macquarrie, a resident of Siesta Key, Fla., 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.
Please check http://www.d7publicaffairs.com/ for updates.
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