Coast Guard searching for missing fisherman

Peter Steewell, 55, fell overboard from commercial fishing vessel 400 miles east of St. Augustine

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The search is on for a fisherman from Pompano Beach, who fell overboard from a commercial fishing vessel 400 miles east of St. Augustine on Thursday.

The U.S Coast Guard began searching the Atlantic Ocean Thursday afternoon for 55-year-old Peter Steewell.

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Coast Guard aircrews from different stations searched continuously throughout the night.

In addition, watch standers used the Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System to find another commercial vessel already in the area that was willing help find Steewell. A freight ship bound for Spain has diverted from its path and joined the search as well.

Steewell was reportedly wearing sweatpants, a t-shirt and rubber boots before falling overboard. He was reportedly not wearing a life jacket.

Winds of 35 mph were reported at the time he fell overboard. Currently, the water temperature is about 73 degrees Fahrenheit.