Coast Guard Searching For Missing Man Near Anclote Key

ANCLOTE KEY, FL — The U.S. Coast Guard is searing for a missing 78-year-old Treasure Island man in waters about 15 miles northwest of Anclote Key.

According to the agency, Arthur Velasco, 78, fell off a sailboat early Sunday morning. Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received notification about the incident around 5 a.m., an email from the coast guard said.

Velasco was reportedly onboard a 32-foot sail boat with Alan Schaller from Inglis when he fell off.

“Schaller was unable to recover Velasco from the water after Velasco had fallen off the sailboat,” the email said. “Velasco entered the water without a life jacket.”

The guard has deployed a MH-60 Jayhawk from Air Station Clearwater and a 45-foot response boat from Station Sand Key to assist in the search.

“At 7:38 a.m. the RB-M crew located sailboat and confirmed the time and position where Velasco entered the water,” the email said. “Using the on-board GPS, crewmembers confirmed Velasco fell overboard at 3:40 a.m.”

The coast guard is asking boaters to keep an eye out for Velasco. Anyone with information is asked to call watchstanders at 727-824-7506.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard