Coast Guard Suspends Search For 63-year-old Missing Boater

BRADENTON, FL - The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies suspended the search Sunday for a 63-year-old missing boater from Cortez. Fraser Horne departed Egmont Key Friday with his golden retriever aboard his 30-foot boat, Golden Rush, the Coast Guard said. Horne's wife contacted the Coast Guard about 6:15 p.m. Friday, saying her husband had not returned home on time.

A good Samaritan found the dog alive in Fort De Soto Saturday morning.

The Coast Guard said search crews crews completed 30 search patterns covering about 2,192 square miles over a 65 hour period. “Suspending a search is the most difficult decision I have to make and our thoughts and prayers go out to Horne’s family and friends,” said Capt. Holly Najarian, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commander. “Despite our best efforts, we were unable to reunite Fraser with his family.”

Crew members from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Holmes Beach Police Department, Manatee County Sheriff's Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission aided in the search.

The Coast Guard located Horne’s 30-foot boat at 11:15 p.m. Friday about 5 miles northwest of Mead Point. A rescue swimmer was lowered and he reported the vessel's engines were left on, but the boat was in neutral. Wallet, keys, and shoes were located on the vessel.

Image via U.S. Coast Guard