Watch CBS News

Body Found On Sailboat Off Key West

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

KEY WEST (CBSMiami) -- Monroe County Sheriff's deputies are trying to find out what happened to a person found dead on a sailboat.

Detectives said a man spotted the body on a sailboat off the coast of Key West near Wisteria Island on Thursday morning.

The man told authorities he had heard a dog barking continuously from a nearby sailboat . That's when he decided to check on the dog.

When he did, he saw a hand on the deck. The boater took the 1-year old pit bull and called the Coast Guard who in turn notified the Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said they found the body of a 39-year old man with no obvious signs of trauma that would indicate foul play.

They said his body was badly decomposed and a syringe was found near him with a liquid substance inside.

His hand was missing and was found outside on the deck of the boat. Deputies said it appears to have bite marks. They believe the dog may have pulled the man's hand off after he died.

Detectives said the man had last been seen alive on Saturday.

Medical Examiners will perform an autopsy on the man's body to determine his cause of death.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers  1-800-346-TIPS.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.