Crime & Safety
Stolen Dive Boat Found In Mangroves At Green Bridge: Bradenton Police
A dive boat stolen from a FL subcontractor caused the cancellation of work planned on Green Bridge Wednesday, Bradenton police said.
BRADENTON, FL — A stolen dive boat belonging to a Florida Department of Transportation subcontractor was found overnight Thursday in the mangroves on the Palmetto side of Green Bridge, according to a Bradenton Police Department news release.
The boat, belonging to Oceanik, Inc. and holding about $60,000 worth of FDOT equipment, was found without its gas tanks, the agency said.
The 22-foot-long SeaArk aluminum boat was secured near the Bradenton day dock adjacent to the Riverwalk overnight Wednesday. The theft was reported around 6:30 a.m.
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The boat was to be used for Wednesday morning’s scheduled repairs on Green Bridge. Its theft forced FDOT to cancel the work, as well as the planned, temporary closure of the northbound lane across the bridge, police said.
The work has been rescheduled for Friday at 8 a.m. and the northbound lane will be closed.
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The theft remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 941-932-9300. Tips can also be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 866-634-8477 or online at manateecrimestoppers.com.
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