A search has been called off for a Calgary man who went missing last Friday.
The Florida Coast Guard said at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, they had to suspend their search for the missing Calgary boater.
Sixty-three-year-old Fraser Horne is from Calgary but lives in Cortez, Fla., during the winter.
His wife, Michele Horne, who reported him missing said he was “overdue” to return from his boating trip.
She reported that Horne departed their home in Florida at around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, leaving on their 30-foot boat named Golden Rush. Horne “did not return home on time,” she said.
Horne’s boat was found about eight kilometres northwest of Mead Point on Saturday at around 11:15 p.m.
A rescue swimmer reported the vessel’s engines were left on but the boat was in neutral. Horne’s wallet, keys, and shoes were still inside the boat.
Officials were also searching for his dog Toula, a 90-pound golden retriever. The dog has since been located.
“Suspending a search is the most difficult decision I have to make and our thoughts and prayers go out to Horne’s family and friends,” Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commander captain Holly Najarian said.
“Despite our best efforts, we were unable to reunite Fraser with his family.”
“Toula, our Golden Retriever is at home in good health and I would like to thank the Good Samaritans who found her Friday night,” Michele Horne said.
“I also would like to thank the Coast Guard and the many other rescue agencies who searched for Fraser. This is an emotionally difficult time and we ask everyone to respect our family and friends privacy while we grieve for Fraser.”
Florida search crews said they completed more than 30 search patterns, covering approximately 3,300 square kilometres.
Their search spanned over a 46-hour period. The U.S. Coast Guard said the incident is under investigation.
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