Coast Guard ends their active search for missing Naples doctor

The Coast Guard is ending their active search for missing Naples doctor Chaundre Cross.

Cross was last seen at the Naples Bay Marina on Aug. 10.

His boat was located on Aug. 11, but Cross was not on board. The boat was brought back to shore on Aug. 13 after being anchored in the Gulf of Mexico between Naples and Sanibel.

The Coast Guard remains in charge of the search for Cross.

Cross’ father issued this statement, clearly believing his son is dead.

“The unexpected loss of a family member leaves an indescribable void. Such a loss occurred to our family on Wednesday when Chaundre Cross went out on his boat and did not return,” Cross’ father said.

Authorities said Cross was last seen leaving the marina on his 34-foot sea ray with the words “Vitamin sea” on the back.

That same day court records show his wife filed for divorce.

The Coast guard said nothing was found on the boat that would indicate suspicious activity.

Ayla Hudson, Public Affairs Specialist for the United States Coast Guard, said, “we suspended because we found no signs of Dr. Cross after extensive, you know, searching with multiple units for 100 hours, covering an area roughly between Sanibel Island and Marco Island. So for now, what we’ve done is we’ve suspended the search.”

Hudson said this kind of searching for a missing person is not rare. But it’s not something that happens every week.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to find them. But there have also been cases of overdue boaters that we were able to find.” Hudson said.