UPDATE: The kayaker was found dead on Clearwater Beach after being missing for over a week.
The Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing kayaker near Honeymoon Island State Park in Central Florida.
The Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing kayaker near Honeymoon Island State Park last week, pending the development of new information.
Missing is 18-year-old Elías Guillermo Lara Vargas.
Coast Guard crews searched by air and sea covering approximately 290 square miles. On-scene weather conditions during the search were approximately 10 to 15 mph winds and 3 to 4-foot seas.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Vargas’ loved ones during this difficult time,” said Lt. Vincente Garcia, a Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg search and rescue mission coordinator. “Suspending a search is never a decision taken lightly. We are thankful to our crews and partner agencies for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts.”
A Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher notified Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders of two kayakers in distress near Honeymoon Island State Park at approximately 6 p.m., Sunday. Dunedin Fire rescue crews rescued one kayaker from the water and Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders coordinated the launch of rescue crews to the missing kayaker’s last known position.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is leading the missing person investigation.
Rescue crews involved in the search: Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Coast Guard Station Sand Key, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Dunedin Fire Department, Clearwater Fire Department, Palm Harbor Fire Department, Tarpon Springs Fire Department, and Florida State Park Rangers.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of the missing kayaker, contact the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center at 866-881-1392.
