Body Found On North Bay Coast Triggers Probe: USCG

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Authorities are investigating the discovery of a body found floating in the waters of coastal Marin on Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a news release.

The USCG received reports of the unmanned boat Seastar adrift just North of Point Reyes around 9:20 a.m., the agency said.

The Seastar was on the rocks when the crew arrived on scene around 10:15 a.m. Crew members boarded the vessel and found the captain missing, the agency said.

They did not attempt to tow the 42-foot commercial fishing vessel due to pollution and boat damage concerns, the agency said.

Crews began a search along with Sonoma County Sheriff's Department helicopter and personal watercraft crews and National Parks Service officers.

Crews found an unresponsive man in the water at about 1:35 p.m. and took him to the Sonoma County Coroner's office.

"While Coast Guard crews recovered and transported the person found in the water, the Seastar drifted off Elephant Rock and ran ashore on Kehoe Beach," said Capt. Taylor Lam, the Sector San Francisco commander.

"The Coast Guard crews and partner agencies are working to remove the boat and ensure the area is safe for the local community."

Crews were able to remove all fuel and hazardous materials from the boat, officials said Tuesday.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

The Coast Guard did not release the name of the man found dead.

— Bay City News contributed to this report