Coast Guard searches for missing boater, 50

Authorities search for Eugene Russell

MIAMI – Coast Guard officials said Saturday they are searching for a missing 50-year-old boater about 25 miles off North Miami Beach.

Authorities are searching for Eugene Russell, 50, who was reported overdue by his wife. Coast Guard officials said she also reported he was on a 22-foot yellow open-concept boat and was scheduled to return Friday evening.

Watchstanders received a report from a good Samaritan vessel stating they found a yellow boat with a person aboard waving his arms, wearing a yellow life jacket and pointing to his engine, which matched a description of Russell and the boat he was aboard, officials said.

The watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, a Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and diverted the Coast Guard cutter Richard Etheridge to search for Russell, officials said. The cutter crew will continue to search throughout Saturday night.


About the Author:

Troy Blevins is a Digital Content Editor who has been with Graham Media Group since 2012.