South Florida boaters, $100K reward to find (2) teenage boaters

[deckofficer]

Both boys are 14, purchased $110 of fuel in Jupiter to go fishing. Might of headed to Bahamas. Boat is single engine, white 19 foot center console. Just thought I'd throw this out here on CF cause we all know poor cruisers could really use a $100K bump for their cruising kitty.

More info....

Two Teen Boys Go Missing During Fishing Trip Off Florida Coast - NBC News

Moms holding out hope for missing Florida boys’ return | www.kirotv.com

[deckofficer]

2 minutes ago USCG reported finding an over turned boat in the search area, not known if it is the boy's boat yet.

1:02 PM PDT confirmed it is their boat.

[capngeo]

160nm North of their original position and 70nm offshore.... Kudos to the CG for finding the needle in the haystack....

WX is 1-2' seas with water temps in the high 80's..... Hope the kids found something to float on

[BlueBuddha]

Very sad situation. Coast guard said they were not going to the Bahamas. It was a mistake based on a social media post. They were just going fishing according to family statement. The boat found off Jacksonville appears to be the one. Sad turn of events.


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[onestepcsy37]

The reward was offered by local resident Joe Namath, retired New York Jets quarterback.

[ReMetau]

Personally I feel that offering that kind of money is a mistake. It will encourage those without sea worrhy boats and knowledge to venture into areas they do not belong and possibly put themselves and others at risk.
Leave this to the professionals.
Most boaters that cruise those routes will keep an eye out, and will always offer assistance and call the cg.

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by ReMetau

Personally I feel that offering that kind of money is a mistake. It will encourage those without sea worrhy boats and knowledge to venture into areas they do not belong and possibly put themselves and others at risk.
Leave this to the professionals.
Most boaters that cruise those routes will keep an eye out, and will always offer assistance and call the cg.

That is the parent's concern also, and they have asked that only experienced SAR types participate, which most cruisers can fit that description. That is why I posted here on CF. It wasn't the parents that put up the money but rather a family friend that happens to be Joe Namath.

[MarkJ]

14. Little kids.

[Steadman Uhlich]

There was another case where two teens took an open boat out to go fishing (as I recall it was off the North Carolina coast). They were fishing and the boat got swamped by some waves, and capsized or sank. They floated for a long time (overnight as I recall) and as I recall they had to cling to something that floated. They were found alive.

I don't think I have the link. I believe it was last year this happened and I believe it was discussed or linked on this forum then.

My point? There is a chance.

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

14. Little kids.

50 years ago it could have been me. All day use of the family boat, $110 of gas, Freeport 70 nm away, at that age I would of considered it and I bet a lot of others on this forum in their youth might have also considered it. Hope they don't pay anymore of a price than the loss of the boat.

[medevicerep]

Nice gesture but no need for a reward. Any sailor on this board would be out searching if they were in the area. It could happen to any of us.

[alansmith]

In the news I read...Joe is a neighbor to one of the boys. So he knows the family.

Reminds me of the pro football guys who went out sport fishing a year or two ago and capsized also. Only one of the guys was found clinging to the overturned boat. I believe the other guys with him perished, if my memory hasn't taken a walk again.

I can imagine their parent's dread right now. Chances are slim for their recovery. I will hope for the best.

[captain58sailin]

Hopefully, they will be found soon and in good health.

[MarkJ]

The boat went missing Saturday so they would have been swimming two nights and this is the third starting in a few hours.

Have we heard anything more on this??

I know the USCG has a survivability calculator and I bet the numbers are not real flash. Sorry to say.

[crabcake]

Washington Post Article on this (very detailed)