U.S. Coast Guard Asks For Public's Help In Finding Missing Miami Boater
MIAMI (CBSMiami)---The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for the public's help in finding a boater from Miami who was last seen last Saturday morning when he left a marina in Key West.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Mark Barney tells CBS4's Peter D'Oench that the Coast Guard has been trying to find Robert Garcia of Miami, who is in his early 40s.
Barney said Coast Guard Sector, Key West, received a report on Sunday from Garcia's wife that he had left the Key West City Marina on a fishing trip Saturday morning and did not return as planned.
"He was supposed to return as planned Saturday night but he did not," Barney told D'Oench.
He said Garcia was aboard the Miss Juliette, a 28-foot white center console vessel with a white stripe.
He said a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry Aircraft crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 Hercules aircraft crew have been actively searching.
He said the Coast Guard cutters Margaret Norvelle and Yellowfin have also conducted searches.
"Right now we are focusing on an area 15 to 20 miles south of Marathon," he said. "If anyone can help, please call the Coast Guard or your local police department."
He said anyone in the pubic who can help should call (305) 415-6800.
The Margaret Norvell is a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter in Miami.
The Yellowfin is an 87-foot patrol boat that is homeported in Charleston, South Carolina.
Barney said Garcia had not been seen since he left Key West.
He said unfortunately he did not file a float plan with his family.
"It's important to file a float plan with your family or friends," Barney said. "That way you can let them know where you are going and we will know where you are at all times.
That way, if you come up missing we will also have a time-frame on where you were last scene and that will really help the Coast Guard."
"That could be a life saver?" asked D'Oench.
"Yes, definitely," said Barney.
Barney said boaters should file a detailed float plan.
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