Missing Teens' Boat Found; Crews To Continue Search Overnight
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TEQUESTA (CBSMiami/AP) — The Coast Guard said they will continue to search overnight for two missing 14-year-old fishermen after finding their boat off Florida's Atlantic Coast on Sunday.
"Approximately at 8:30 this morning, one of our boat crews from station cape Canaveral found an overturned boat off the coast of Ponce Inlet Florida, approximately 67 miles east," said Petty Officer Steve Lehmann.
According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Carly Black, the mother of Austin Stephanos said, "We are going to find them today. We are going to bring them home."
Perry Cohen and Austin Stephanos were last seen Friday in the Jupiter area buying fuel for their 19-foot boat.
Lehmann said the boat was found capsized. The boat will be anchored in place while search-and-rescue efforts continue.
Lehmann said the Coast Guard is recalculated its search plans based on the boat's location.
"Currently the Coast Guard is focusing its search off Daytona Beach," said Lehmann.
During a press conference, Lehmann said the search will continue through the night, though it carries greater challenges.
He said there are about 13 to 14 Coast Guard vessels currently searching, though that number could change.
They also got some help in the air.
"Right now, we have an aircraft from the air station in clear water an MH 60 helicopter from our air station in Miami," said Lehmann.
NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath, who is Cohen's neighbor, said during a news conference that both the boys are experienced boaters.
Namath said, "We've got to believe in their wherewithal."
The families of the teens are offering $100,000 reward in the search.
With the reward on the table, boaters are expected to flock to the region to help.
The Coast Guard has not reached out to public boaters for help, but urges that only experienced boaters should be on the waters.
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