Coast Guard searches for missing kayaker in Tampa Bay

Coast Guard searches for missing kayaker in Tampa Bay

St. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Coast Guard is searching for a 44-year-old missing kayaker in Tampa Bay, Saturday.

Missing is Mark Fanchura, 44, from Lithia.

At approximately 12:30 p.m, watchstanders from Sector St. Petersburg received a report from a good Samaritan of a 9-foot lime green kayak adrift in Tampa Bay. Coast Guard watchstanders confirmed Mark Fanchura was the owner of the kayak. His wife, Sabrina Fanchura reported to watchstanders, Mark Fanchura, left in the green kayak from Gibbsonton at 6 a.m. to kayak in Tampa Bay and failed to return.

A 29-foot Response Boat-Small II boatcrew from Station St. Petersburg and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew from Air Station Clearwater were launched to commence the search.  

Crewmembers from Hillsborough County Sheriff Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are aiding in the search.  

The Coast Guard asks boaters to keep a sharp lookout and contact Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders at (727) 824-7506 with any information regarding the whereabouts of xx.

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-USCG-