Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Boater Bound for Indian Rocks Beach
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The U. S. Coast Guard has officially suspended its search for Bert Erwin, a 70-year-old boater who went missing while traveling from Marco Island to Indian Rocks Beach. Erwin was last seen on Monday at Rose Marina, and a good Samaritan reported him missing on Wednesday morning, prompting search efforts. By Thursday, the Coast Guard found Erwin's disabled 37-foot fishing boat approximately 28 miles off Englewood, but he was not aboard.
The search operation covered over 8,000 square miles, nearly the size of New Jersey, and was hampered by adverse weather conditions, including 10-knot winds and 3-foot seas. Lt. Andrew Grady, the search and rescue mission coordinator, expressed heartfelt condolences to Erwin's loved ones and described the suspension of the search as one of the hardest decisions made during such operations. The Coast Guard has requested that anyone with information regarding Erwin's status contact their command center. Despite the extensive search, the hope of finding him diminishes as time progresses.
The community remains concerned for Erwin's safety and is awaiting any updates.