MARATHON, Fla. — A search for a missing man in the Florida Keys has turned into a theft investigation after authorities say he allegedly stole the boat that he was found with.
Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office say 32-year-old Dustin Southwick, of Fort Myers, was reported missing along with a 26-foot Edgewater boat that was later reported stolen from the dock of a home in Marathon.
They said the search for the missing boat and Southwick ended after a good Samaritan alerted park officials to his presence along the shoreline.
Southwick told authorities the boat had run out of fuel, forcing him to beach it. He said he had survived while stranded on crackers, water and electrolyte drinks. Officials said no life-threatening injuries were reported.
MCSO officials said they obtained a warrant for Southwick’s arrest after the boat was reported stolen around 7:30 a.m. Saturday from a residential dock on 85th Street in Marathon. The victim told deputies he knew Southwick and that the boat was taken without permission, according to investigators.
Authoriities said Southwick had been in the Florida Keys with a construction crew before the boat was reported stolen. Investigators said they issued a be-on-the-lookout alert during the search.
They said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be possible.
Southwick’s bond information was not immediately available.
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