DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) continues the search for an 18-year-old missing kayaker, while the Coast Guard suspends its search.
The Coast Guard has suspended its search for 18-year-old Elías Guillermo Lara Vargas near Honeymoon Island State Park.
Tampa Bay 28 reporter Jada Williams is at Honeymoon Island and saw the PCSO command center as the search continues.
Crews covered about 290 square miles by air and sea before ending the effort Monday evening, amid 10–15 mph winds and 3–4 foot seas.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Vargas' loved ones during this difficult time,” said Lt. Vincente Garcia, a Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg search and rescue mission coordinator. “Suspending a search is never a decision taken lightly. We are thankful to our crews and partner agencies for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts.”
The search started after the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of two missing kayakers a little before 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Dunedin Fire Rescue said one victim, showing signs of hypothermia and exhaustion, was rescued from the water by their crews at about 6:45 p.m. and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Another man was evaluated at the scene and did not need medical assistance. The missing teen was last seen trying to help a female kayaker whose vessel had overturned before his own kayak capsized.
Crews battled the elements in darkness, navigating through choppy water, and at one point, a rescue boat suffered engine trouble after taking repeated waves over the bow.
Marine and shoreline searches continued until about 9:30 p.m., when the Coast Guard took over operations. Overnight efforts have continued, and as of Monday morning, Dunedin Fire Rescue crews have been conducting shoreline searches. The search was then suspended on Monday evening.
This is a developing story. Tampa Bay 28 will provide more details as they become available.
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