Good Samaritan Rescues Missing Fisherman 100 Miles Away
An extensive Coast Guard search came to an end when a good Samaritan found a missing fisherman in the water 100 miles away from where he set off, officials reported. Rick Ferozi, a 57-year-old experienced boater, had departed from Worth Bay on Thursday for a fishing trip in his 32-foot center console boat. However, after three hours had passed without any contact, concerns arose as he failed to return as scheduled.
Coast Guard’s Intensive Search Efforts
Coast Guard crews located Ferozi’s boat around 2 a.m. on Friday, approximately 12 miles east of Hobe Bay, but the fisherman was not onboard. Despite exhaustive air and surface search missions covering an area of about 3,070 square miles, Ferozi remained unaccounted for throughout the day. As night fell, hopes of a successful rescue dwindled.
A Fortunate Encounter: The Discovery
In a fortunate turn of events, a good Samaritan spotted a man in the water approximately 35 miles northeast of Sebastian Inlet late that night, over 100 miles away from Ferozi’s departure point. The individual was identified as Ferozi by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service. With this discovery, the Coast Guard officially declared the search concluded, conveying their condolences to Ferozi’s family and friends.
Amidst the tragic outcome, Ferozi’s sister, Nancy Smile, reminisced about her brother’s adventurous spirit and love for boating. A retired financial advisor, Ferozi had a wealth of experience navigating the waters, including trips to and from the Bahamas.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved member, the Coast Guard expressed gratitude to their national partners and the public for their collaborative efforts in the search and rescue operation.
Originally published on August 3, 2024 at 2:49 pm.
