Update Dec. 26 2:40 p.m.: The Clearwater Police Department has confirmed that the man found on the beach this morning is Cliford B. Minej, 27, of Thane, India. He was a worker aboard the Holland American Line Ryndam cruise ship. Minej had been reported missing several days ago. His body was discovered by someone walking along the beach around 7:15 a.m. Friday, police said.
Police say Minej was onboard a ship returning to Tampa Dec. 21. It is believed he jumped or fell from the ship near Egmont Key. The death, an email to media stated, has been ruled accidental by the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Earlier:
Find out what's happening in Clearwaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Clearwater Police Department is working with the Medical Examiner’s Officer to uncover the identity of a man who washed up on the beach Friday morning.
According to the Clearwater Police Department, the body was discovered around 7 a.m. in the 1500 block of Gulf Boulevard.
Find out what's happening in Clearwaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
While the identity of the man remains unknown, the Coast Guard had been looking for a cruise ship crew member that is thought to have gone missing in area waters, The Tampa Tribune reported.
Stay with Patch for updates as they become available.
Photo courtesy of the Clearwater Police Department
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