Body found floating off Long Beach identified as missing boater

Body found floating off Long Beach identified as missing boater

Monroe County authorities have identified the body recovered yesterday, April 16, off the coast of Long Beach in the Florida Keys as that of a boater reported missing earlier this week. The individual, whose name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin, was discovered by a local fisherman around 10:30 AM floating approximately half a mile offshore.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Coast Guard, responded to the scene. The body was transported to the Monroe County Medical Examiner's office for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary reports suggest no foul play is suspected.

The missing boater had been the subject of a search effort that began on Tuesday, April 14, after their vessel was found adrift and unoccupied near the Long Beach pier. Local volunteers from nearby Keys communities, along with official search and rescue teams, had been combing the waters and shoreline for the past two days.

Sheriff's deputies are urging anyone with further information regarding the incident to contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at their non-emergency line. The community extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.