2/19 UPDATE : Search continues for 4 missing boaters
Additional agencies, including the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and Lee County Sheriff’s Office, have joined the search in the Gulf of Mexico this morning for four men who left for a boating trip from Venice at approximately 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 and did not return. The search area has moved south to include Lee County. VPD is in touch with the boaters’ families.
Those out on the water today are asked to stay vigilant and report any information that may be relevant to this case to VPD Detective Courtney Zak at 941-486-2444 or czak@venicefl.gov; or use radio Channel 16 VHF.
February 18, 2024
Venice Police Department
SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR 4 MISSING BOATERS
Multiple law enforcement agencies are actively searching the Gulf of Mexico from Stump Pass to Longboat Pass for four men who left for a boating trip from Venice at approximately 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 and did not return last night as planned, according to a family member.
Shortly after 8 a.m. today, Sunday, Feb. 18, Sarasota County Sheriff’s dispatch contacted the Venice Police Department to check the Marina Park Boat Ramp (near the Historic Venice Train Depot) for a vehicle and boat trailer left behind by the group. The vehicle and trailer were located at the park.
The missing boaters are identified as Angel Hernandez Munoz, 38, of North Port; Ruben Mora Sr., 54, of Port Charlotte; Julio Cesar Cordero Briones, 37, of North Port; and Vargas Parra, 35, of North Port. The group’s vessel (pictured below) is a 1995 23-foot white SportCraft, registration # FL9937HC.
VPD Marine Patrol is working with the U.S. Coast Guard, Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota Police Department, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and FWC in the search for the boaters. The Coast Guard is searching areas beyond 9 miles offshore using multiple vessels and aircraft. Local law enforcement vessels are searching from the shore to 9 miles out. The search will continue throughout the night and Monday.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact VPD Detective Courtney Zak at 941-486-2444 or czak@venicefl.gov.