FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.— The Coast Guard and partner agencies are continuing the search for a missing 22-year-old swimmer near Boca Grande, Florida, Sunday.
Missing is Javier Castro, 22, from Cape Coral, Florida.
At 3:58 p.m., Saturday watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida, received a Marine Emergency Response Team alert reporting Castro was missing after swimming with family members just off Boca Grande. Castro’s father reported Castro and one of his brothers were swept out by a rip current. A jet skier recovered the brother and threw Castro a black life jacket. Castro was last seen wearing red shorts.
A 29-foot Response Boat Small-II boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach was launched and commenced the search.
Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida, Coast Guard Station Cortez, Florida, The Coast Guard Cutter Aligator, homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Coral Fire Department and Englewood Fire Department are aiding in the search.
The Coast Guard asks the public to keep a sharp lookout and contact Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at (727) 824-7506 with any information regarding the whereabouts of Castro.
