Search suspended for missing 70-year-old boater who departed from Marco Island

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
Captain Biff Credit: Facebook Post

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended their search for a 70-year-old man who went missing after departing from Rose Marina in Marco Island.

After leaving the marina, Bert Erwin was reported missing on Thursday while traveling between Sanibel and Stump Pass.

The 37-foot vessel was found with no one aboard 28 miles off the coast of Englewood and anchored by Station Cortez crews.

After an extensive search for Erwin, authorities concluded their investigation by suspending their search efforts.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Erwin’s loved ones,” said Lt. Andrew Grady, search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. “One of the hardest decisions to make during a search is a suspension.” 

If you have any information on the missing man’s whereabouts, please contact the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center at 866-881-1392.

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