U.S. Coast Guard IDs Biscayne Bay charter boat passenger who died
The U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday identified a man, who was found dead after he disappeared from a chartered boat in Biscayne Bay.
Good Samaritans found the body of Akin Liverpool, 23, in the water south of Brickell Key around 11 a.m. Sunday, the Coast Guard said in a statement.
He and seven other passengers were aboard a 39-foot cabin cruiser late Friday, traveling from Hobie Beach toward the Miami River, authorities said. One of the passengers noticed a man, who was reportedly wearing all black clothing, had gone missing.
The Coast Guard and partner search and rescue crews looked for him by air and sea, covering around 529 square miles, the statement said. Authorities used night-vision equipment and conducted continuous overnight searches. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office marine unit recovered the body, who was later identified as the missing person, Liverpool.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Liverpool as they navigate this incredibly difficult time,” commander Francis Varrichio, the Coast Guard Sector Miami search and rescue mission coordinator for the case, said in the statement.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident.
