The U.S. Coast Guard announced Friday that it was suspending its 8,462-square-mile search for a missing 70-year-old man following news of his boat being found abandoned, according to reporting from local news outlets.
Bert Erwin was on a 150-mile trip up Florida’s coast from Marco Island to Indian Rocks Beach and was reported missing Wednesday by a good Samaritan, according to a Coast Guard press release. The person who reported him missing told Coast Guard officials that Erwin was overdue to reach his destination, Indian Rocks Beach.
He was last seen Monday leaving Rose Marina on Marco Island.
On Thursday, the Coast Guard found his 37-foot boat 28 miles off the coast of Englewood. No one was on board, the Coast Guard said.
Anyone with information on Erwin’s location may call the U.S. Coast Guard Sector’s St. Petersburg Command Center at 866-881-1992.
Lawyers with Experience
Leesfield & Partners attorneys have decades of experience behind them when it comes to litigating cases of clients injured on the water. With one of three offices in Monroe County, a county that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported had the highest number of boating accidents and deaths in 2023, attorneys at the firm have a historic reputation for securing the best possible outcome for clients in this practice area.
Whether the case involves a minor whose leg was amputated as the result of negligent supervision during boating activities or a Key West diver who was tragically struck and needlessly killed by a passing boat violating divers-down flag laws, Leesfield & Partners attorneys aggressively pursue justice on behalf of their clients.
In one case, attorneys with the firm handled a case involving the death of a minor snorkeling with his family when he was hit by a passing boat. The boat, driven by another child, did not stop. The child, known by neighbors to drive recklessly, attempted to cover up evidence and lied to police when questioned about the incident.
The case was settled by Leesfield & Partners attorneys for $1.7 million.
A family of a 20-year-old killed when the boat she was on crashed with a dock was represented by Leesfield & Partners. In that case, attorneys discovered that the operator of that boat was speeding and had been drinking the night of the deadly crash. A $1,325,000 settlement was secured for the client.
A wrongful death case handled by the firm involving a jet ski crash resulted in a $2.8 million settlement for the grieving family.
Boating Safety Tips
FWC data for 2023 shows that in addition to Monroe County, Miami-Dade County had some of the highest numbers of incidents on the water. The bulk of these tragic occurrences happened in July when most schools were out for summer vacation and the weather lends to a stretch of sunny days and sparkling waters. The most common cause of these crashes happened when a boat or personal watercraft collided with a fixed object.
In total, the state had 59 deaths. About 16 of these fatalities happened following a crash with a fixed object. Falling overboard accounted for approximately 14 deaths. Operators involved in at least 83% of the fatal incidents on Florida waters did not have formal boater education.
Below are several boating safety tips that may help you and your family stay safe and prepared when faced with an emergency on the water.
- Never let children drive the boat
- Always ensure that children under 5 years old wear a life jacket when on the water
- Be sure that all equipment on your vessel is functioning properly and meets all safety requirements.
- Keep supplies such as flares, radios, first-aid kits and flotation devices on board in case of an emergency.
- If someone falls overboard, slow down immediately, throw them a flotation device and turn off your engine completely.
- Never drink and boat
- Take boating education courses to brush up on your skills regularly.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident on Florida waters, don’t wait. Call a Leesfield & Partners attorney today for a free consultation at 800-836-6400 or 305-854-4900.