Lucky Mariner Rescued 86 Miles Off Port Canaveral, Florida

The crew of a containership located a missing mariner clinging to the bow of his partially sunken boat approximately 86 miles east of Port Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday.

The man, identified as 62-year-old Stuart Bee, had been missing since setting out on his 32-foot Sea Ray from the Cape Marina in Port Canaveral on November 27 and did not return.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville received initial report of the missing man at 11:40 a.m., on Saturday from a member at Cape Marina stating Bee typically does not stay out overnight on his boat.

Watchstanders dispatched a C-130 Hercules aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater to respond and directed Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral watchstanders to issue preliminary and extended communications in an effort to locate the missing man. The 7th District Coast Guard command center watchstanders meanwhile issued an Enhanced Group Calling to mariners in the vicinity to keep a lookout for the vessel and report any findings to the Coast Guard. A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol air marine asset also assisted in the search.

Amazingly, the crew of the 225-meter MV Angeles located the man alive on the hull of his boat and took him aboard at approximately 11 a.m. Sunday.

Photos show Bee clinging to the bow of the vessel without a lifejacket or any type of flotation.

“Saving lives at sea is our highest calling. This is a truly incredible outcome that demonstrates the bond among all mariners and our community,” said Capt. Mark Vlaun, commanding officer of Sector Jacksonville. “Thank you to our mission partners that launch into action and to all who got the word out to find and rescue Mr. Bee”

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