Coast Guard Suspends Search Off Florida’s East Coast for Overdue Vessel With 20 People Aboard

By  //  January 1, 2021

SEARCH AREA INCLUDED WATERS OFF BREVARD

The Coast Guard sespended the search off the east coast of Florida, including Brevard County, for an overdue 29-foot Mako Cuddy Cabin vessel, similar to the one above, with approximately 20 people aboard.

MIAMI, FLORIDA — The Coast Guard suspended the search off the east coast of Florida, including Brevard County, for an overdue vessel with approximately 20 people aboard.

Coast Guard crews have searched approximately 17,000 square miles for about 84 hours.

Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders received a report on Tuesday that a blue and white 29-foot Mako Cuddy Cabin vessel, last known to be departing Bimini, Bahamas, Monday, did not arrive as expected.

The vessel and people were reported to be en route to Lake Worth, Florida.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the missing people,” said Capt. Stephen V. Burdian, Seventh District Chief of Response.

“I encourage anyone with information about the people aboard to contact us as soon as possible.”

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Assets searching for the lost vessel include:

■ Patrick Air Force Base air asset
■ Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater C-130 Hercules aircrew
■ Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew
■ Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvel crew
■ Royal Bahamas Defence Force surface units
■ Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association air assets

Coast Guard Petty Officer Jose Hernandez told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that safety is the priority, even if this turns out to be a smuggling boat that does not want to be found.

“We don’t know if it is or not,” said Hernandez. “Regardless, the Coast Guard is committed to the safety of all mariners. We don’t want any lives lost at sea.”

Anyone with information is requested to contact Coast Guard District Seven Command Center at 305-415-6800.

The Coast Guard is continuing to search off the east coast of Florida, including Brevard County, for an overdue vessel with approximately 20 people aboard. Coast Guard crews have searched approximately 20,000 square miles for about 43 hours. (USCG image)