Body of Missing Boater Is Found

The body of missing boater Michael Douglas Rhine was found Wednesday afternoon at the mouth of Bunces Pass, near Fort De Soto Park.

Authorities said that a private boater discovered Rhine's body at about 4:10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10.

The boater was coming in from the Gulf of Mexico and contacted the U.S. Coast Guard via marine radio. Sheriff's deputies responded to the location.

Rhine had been missing since Sunday, April 7, after he fell overboard while working on his 24-foot boat's outboard engine.

The 49-year-old Pinellas Park man had been boating with his wife. The couple was on the boat near the Fort De Soto boat ramp, when Rhine fell overboard.

His wife told authorities that she never saw him resurface. He was not wearing a life vest.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and other water rescue crews had been searching for Rhine since his disappearance.

Next of kin were notified Wednesday of the body's discovery. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

At this time Rhine's death does appear accidental and not suspicious in nature, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

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