MIAMI – The Coast Guard has ended its search for an overdue boater approximately 18 miles east of Sebastian Inlet, Fla., Tuesday.
Dell Herbert, an 81 year-old male, was located deceased in the water by a good samaritan at approximately 3:30 p.m., nine miles southeast of Sebastian Inlet. The body was transferred to the Indian River Fire Rescue where he was positively identified.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Herbert family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Captain James Fitton, the Coast Guard Sector Miami Commander.
Herbert departed from the South Side Marina in Sebastian Inlet Monday and was supposed to be out for a couple of hours.
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Park Ranger contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Miami at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to report that Herbert departed South Side ramp at 10:30 p.m. and had yet to return from his daily fishing trip.
Upon notification, the Coast Guard launched aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Miami and a boat crew from Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce, Fla., to search for the missing boater.
The following assets assisted in the search:
- An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami
- An HU-25 Falcon jet crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami
- A 25-foot Defender Class response boat from Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce
- A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boat crew
