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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Coast Guard is searching for a 77-year-old man aboard the sailing vessel Mariah between Boca Grande and Panama City, Florida, Tuesday.
Missing is Craig Neus from Panama City, Florida.
Last contact with Neus was Nov. 4 when he made a purchase at South Seas Plantation, Captiva, Florida.
Since June, Neus had been sailing a 32-foot beige two-masted Bristol from Baltimore, Maryland, with the intention of finishing his voyage in Panama City, Florida.
Bridge tenders north of Boca Grande do not have any reports of Neus’ sailing vessel having passed under their respective bridges.
Family of Neus have reported that he might have gone further west into the Gulf of Mexico than he had originally intended.
Due to Neus’ family concern and last contact information, the Coast Guard has begun a search for Neus.
C-130 Hercules aircraft crews from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida, along with HC-144 Casa aircraft crews from Air Station Miami and crews aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alligator, an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat home-ported in St. Petersburg, Florida, are actively searching for Neus.
If you or someone you know has any information regarding the wherabouts of Craig Neus, please contact Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders at 727-824-7506.