Coast Guard suspends search for missing boater off Florida Keys

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast Contact: 7th District Public Affairs Office: 305-415-6683 After Hours: 786-367-7649 7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard suspends search for missing boater off Florida Keys

MIAMI — The Coast Guard suspended the search for the missing boater, Sunday at approximately 8 p.m., pending new information. 

Missing is 35-year-old Jason Heath.

Heath's father reported to Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders, Tuesday at approximately 3:30 p.m., that his son was overdue, and he was last heard from around noon on Nov. 22. 

A Monroe County Sheriff officer reported conducting a welfare check of Heath’s last known location. The family’s 25-foot blue center console was missing from the residence. Jason’s wallet, vehicle and his three dogs were found at the residence.

"Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Jason Heath," said Capt. Adam Chamie, commanding officer, Sector Key West. "The decision to suspend a search is never easy."

Coast Guard crews searched approximately 15,380 square miles, roughly 1 1/2 the size of Maryland.

Search and rescue crews include:

• Coast Guard Air Station Miami
• Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater
• Station Key West
• Coast Guard Cutter William Flores
• Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Air
• Monroe County Sheriff's Office
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Jason Heath, please contact the Coast Guard Sector Key West command center at 305-292-8727.

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-USCG-