Coast Guard suspends search for missing person off Key West

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/01/2022 07:45 PM EST

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 305-202-3735
7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard suspends search for missing person off Key West

Missing is 41-year-old Erik Rundle, who was last seen in Man of War Harbor, Key West, Florida, Jan. 29, 2022. If anyone has information on Erik Rundle's whereabouts, please call Sector Key West watchstanders at 305-292-8727. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) A visual representation of the search area, Coast Guard and partner agency rescue crews searched approximately 3,245 square miles for missing 41-year-old Erik Rundle, off Key West, Florida from Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2022. The search was suspended pending new information. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

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MIAMI — The Coast Guard suspended the search Tuesday for the missing boater near Man O' War Harbor pending new information.  

Missing is 41-year-old Erik Rundle. 

A good Samaritian reported a capsized 12-foot inflatable vessel to Sector Key West watchstanders, Sunday, at approximately 7:45 a.m.

A man on Fleming Key flagged down the Station Key West rescue crew, at approximately 8:15 a.m., after they arrived on scene. The man reported he and Rundle capsized in their vessel Saturday night. The reporting source swam to shore, but Rundle stayed with the capsized vessel to try and save it. 

"Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Erik Rundle," said Cmdr. Todd Hartfiel, search and rescue mission coordinator, Sector Key West. "The decision to suspend a search is never easy and is only made after careful consideration of all the available facts."

Coast Guard crews and partner agencies searched more than 3,245 square miles, an area larger than Delaware. 

Rescue crews a part of the search:

  • Coast Guard Air Station Miami 
  • Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater 
  • Coast Guard Cutter William Trump
  • Station Key West 
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
  • Monroe County Sheriff's Office
  • Key West Police Department
  • Key West Fire Department
  • U.S. Navy

If anyone has information on Erik Rundle's whereabouts, please call Sector Key West watchstanders at 305-292-8727.

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-USCG-