WASHINGTON, Jan 3, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – A boat carrying 20 people has
disappeared between the Bahamas and Florida, the US Coast Guard announced
Saturday, the day after suspending an unsuccessful three day search.
The boat, which left the island of Bimini on Monday, was due to dock at
Lake Worth in the southern US state, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) away.
On Tuesday, the Coast Guard was alerted that the boat never arrived at
port, according to a statement.
For the next three days, teams from both countries conducted a joint aerial
and maritime search over about 17,000 square miles (44,000 square
kilometers), but efforts were suspended Friday, the Coast Guard said.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the missing people,”
said Captain Stephen Burdian, who urged anyone with information about the
missing boat to contact the Coast Guard.