Body of missing boater found by friend days after accident

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The body of a missing boater was found early Friday morning, three days after he went missing while test driving a boat he had just sold, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed.

According to the FWC, the body of Reynier Marino, 36, was found by a friend who was out searching for him around 3 a.m. near the Julia Tuttle Causeway.

U.S. Coast Guard officials said Marino was reported missing Tuesday night after he boarded the 32-foot boat.

Relatives told Local 10 News that Marino has just sold the boat and the client who had purchased it was waiting for him at Pelican Harbor Marina, but he never showed.

Authorities said the boat was later found north of the Julia Tuttle Causeway, but Marino was not on board. Photos taken of the boat after it was found show that it had damage to the front side.

According to loved ones, Marino was an avid boater who owned his own boating business called Hellkat Powerboats.

“Our deepest condolences extend to the family and friends of Mr. Marino. The FWC will conduct a thorough investigation into this boating accident,” the FWC said in a statement.

Multiple agencies took part in the search for Marino, including the FWC, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Miami-Dade Police Department and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

On Friday night, a group of family and friends met at the Pelican Harbor Marina for a ceremony in his honor. They left candles and flowers in his honor.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.