Missing boater found after 3 days at sea ‘in extremely rough conditions,' officials say

A missing boater was found after spending three days at sea in extremely rough conditions, according to Marco Island Fire Rescue. The U.S. Coast Guard had lost contact with the unidentified boater on Tuesday, and Marco Island Fire Rescue, the Collier County Marine Unit and the Marco Island Police Department Marine Unit assisted in the ensuing search. The next day, the Collier County Marine Unit found the boater aboard his disabled vessel about 16 miles southwest of Coon Key Pass, after he had reportedly spent three days at sea in extremely rough conditions. The boater was treated and taken safely back to Marco Island, and the boat was towed, officials said. This successful rescue highlights the importance of teamwork, communication, and coordination among our public safety partners, Marco Island Fire Rescue said. More information on what caused the boater s vessel to become disabled or why he lost contact with the Coast Guard was not immediately available