The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a 47-year-old Ocala man who disappeared during a fishing trip.
- Mitchell Szegi of Ocala reported missing off Horseshoe Beach
- Coast Guard dispatched boats, helicopter for search
Mitchell Szegi failed to return from a trip Monday 30 miles southwest of Horseshoe Beach, just south of the Big Bend area of Florida.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Szegi," said Cmdr. Randall Brown, acting Sector St. Petersburg commander. "Suspending a search is the most difficult decision to make and despite our best efforts we were unable to reunite Mitchell with his family."
Szegi left in a 22-foot fishing boat around noon Sunday from the beach and was expected to return no later than Sunday night. A concerned family member contacted officials at the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at 3:25 p.m. Monday to report him overdue.
The Coast Guard searched by boat and helicopter for the man. Search crews from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are assisted with the search.
Boaters are encouraged to remain vigilant while out on the water and contact the Coast Guard with any information regarding the missing man. Anyone with information on Szegi's location is asked to contact the U.S. Coast Guard at 727-842-7543.