ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for two boaters aboard a 19-foot center console boat near Everglades City, Florida, Monday.
Missing are William Benditt, 60, and Sharon Jeffkin, 53, from Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.
At approximately 9 p.m Sunday, watchstanders from Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach, Florida, received a 911 transfer call, from Collier County (Florida) Sheriff's Office, stating Benditt and Jeffkin had rented a 19-foot center console boat from Glades Haven Marina, near Everglades City, and were expected to be back by 5 p.m. Sunday. When they did not return, employees from the rental company contacted officials.
Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida, Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Collier County Sheriff's Office are aiding in the search.
If you or anyone you know has any information on the whereabouts of Benditt and/or Jeffkin, please contact watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida, at 727-824-7506.