OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA — A boater missing for nearly two days off the east coast of Florida was miraculously found alive Sunday, clinging to his prow of his capsized boat about 86 miles from shore.
The US Coast Guard said the crew aboard the motor vessel Angeles found 62-year old Stuart Bee bobbing in the water after an exhaustive search.
Bee had departed from Cape Marina in Port Canaveral around 4 p.m. Friday on his 32-foot craft, the Stingray. He was reported missing Saturday by a member at the marina who said Bee typically never stays out overnight on his boat, the Coast Guard said.
“Saving lives at sea is our highest calling. This is a truly incredible outcome that demonstrates the bond among all mariners and our community,” said Capt. Mark Vlaun, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. “Thank you to our mission partners that launch into action and to all who got the word out to find and rescue Mr. Bee.”
The Coast Guard said it dispatched a C-130 Hercules aircrew to look for Bee and notified mariners in the vicinity to keep a lookout for his vessel. US Customs and Border Patrol also assisted in the search, the Coast Guard said.
