Missing Boater Found 86 Miles East Of Port Canaveral: Coast Guard

PORT CANAVERAL, FL — Stuart Bee was lost at sea for two days by the time the U.S. Coast Guard facilitated his rescue Sunday. The 63-year-old missing mariner was found clinging to the hull of his capsized 34-foot vessel about 86 miles east of Port Canaveral, according to a Coast Guard news release.

Bee left from Cape Marina in Port Canaveral on Friday. On Sunday, the Coast Guard’s District 7 command center alerted offshore vessels in the area that they were searching for Bee and his boat.

After receiving the alert, the crew of the Angeles, a 225-meter motor vessel, spotted Bee clinging to the bow of his boat around 10 a.m. and brought him aboard at about 11 a.m. The crew reported he was safe and had no medical concerns.

“The chances of finding Bee alive were slim,” said Lt. Shawn Antonelli, command duty officer, District 7. “But he was able to stay with his boat, which helped save his life.”

The Angeles’ next port of call is Wilmington, Delaware. Bee is in contact with his brother who will assist in bringing him home once in Delaware.