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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — On Sunday night, deputies reported the discovery of a boater’s body, identified as missing in St. Petersburg.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office stated that deputies were called to action at 11:35 a.m. on Saturday, responding to an incident at 6701 Sunshine Skyway Lane South.
The missing individual, Tony Le, aged 63, was last seen when he fell into the water from a boat near channel marker 18.
Investigations revealed that Le was enjoying a boating trip with his family and was seated at the back of the vessel, which was moving at approximately 10 mph.
Upon realizing Le had gone overboard, his family quickly turned the boat around and entered the water with the help of nearby boaters, but unfortunately, they were unable to locate him.
Detectives said Le has medical impairments and was wearing a life jacket at the time of launch, but appeared to have removed it before entering the water.
PCSO, along with the United States Coast Guard, multiple Fire Rescue Units, Eckerd College, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responded to assist in the search.
Crews suspended primary search efforts at nightfall and continued the search Sunday morning.
PCSO Dive Team members entered the water in the channel at 3:27 p.m. After several recovery dives, crews found Le’s body at an approximate depth of 19 feet, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies said the incident appeared to be accidental. The investigation is ongoing.