Body Of Missing Boater Found On Miami Beach
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A body recovered on Miami Beach early Sunday morning was that of a missing boater.
The Coast Guard said four people were on a 23-foot boat when it capsized Saturday night off 63rd Street and Collins Avenue. .
Three of the four people were able to make it to shore. A fourth boater, identified as 48-year old Ramon Ulloa-Rodriguez of Hialeah, was reported missing, hanging on to a blue and white cooler and not wearing a personal flotation device. Around 12:30 a.m. the crew of a Coast Guard helicopter spotted a body inside the surf line at 59th Street and Collins Avenue.
"People should be wearing their live vests at the very least they should have them accessible and ready at any moment in an emergency. The victim in this case certainly wasn't wearing a life vest and maybe not a strong swimmer to make it to shore, but this could've been avoided." said Jorge Pino of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He said his death should serve as a reminder to others.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time," said Capt. Chris Scraba, Coast Guard Sector Miami Commander.
Sea Tow took the capsized boat to the Haulover Marina. The body was taken the Coast Guard station on Miami Beach. The Medical Examiner then positively confirmed the body was that of Ulloa-Rodriguez.
