2 Teens missing off Jupiter

lid time ^ | 7-24-15 | Alex Crown

[FlJoePa]

Coast Guard search-and-rescue crews are searching for two missing 14-year-old boys in the vicinity of Jupiter.

Austin Stephanos (left) and Perry Cohen (right), both 14, were reported missing after not returning from a fishing trip on Friday off the coast of Jupiter, Florida.

They were last seen at approximately 1:30 p.m after purchasing $110 worth of fuel.

Officials received a report that the boys had disappeared at about 5 p.m. after they didn’t return to shore at the expected time. The Coast Guard had covered about 5,300-square nautical miles by Saturday morning.

The Palm Bay Sheriff’s Office is also providing assistance.

The boys did not pack much food or water, and were due back Friday afternoon after fishing near the Jupiter Inlet, Coast Guard Petty Officer Mark Barney said.

Anyone with information on the boys’ whereabouts is asked to contact authorities.

[FlJoePa]

I hope they went to the Bahamas and didn't tell anyone, but that is seeming less and less likely.

[liberalh8ter]

There was a report last night that 2 boys fitting the description (and the boat) were spotted in Bimini....haven't heard anymore on that and the Stolen Boat thread I follow on Facebook says the sighting still hasn't been confirmed. Holding out hope they did indeed go to Bimini...

[virgil]

How big was the boat? What kind of boat?

[Jack Hydrazine]

When I read the title I was thinking, "How in the world did they get to Jupiter and why wasn't I invited?"

[Dilbert San Diego]

I’m ignorant about boating, so bear with me. But, do you need a boating or sailing license to pilot a power boat, just as you need a driver’s license to drive a car? These boys seem pretty young to be out in the open ocean.

[Moonman62]

Other reports said they were heading toward the Bahamas in a 19 foot single engine boat.

[liberalh8ter]

The boat is a 19ft older center console....looks like an old Mako with no markings....has a white Bimini top.

[Yardstick]

Darned if our solar system doesn’t have some pretty cool looking planets.

[Rome2000]

Be no sweat to cross over this time of year, people do it on jet skis.

These kids look like daredevil types, probably not too bright though.

Probably in Bimini

[liberalh8ter]

The boys are 14 and that is the age you can obtain your license. When the story broke, it was reported the boys were going to the Bahamas to fish; it is my understanding the CG retracted that statement saying they were incorrect but that the boys were going fishing in the direction of the Bahamas. Our kids grew up on boats and piloted them from a young age but never alone. You do see a lot of younger kids on the Intercoastal or St. Lucie River piloting boats but not out on the ocean. The former would be like training wheels; calm water, lots of activity, etc.

Don't know the circumstances behind this as it's somewhat vague as to what they were doing or if their parents knew, just praying they're found.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

It does require minimal navigational skill, and it’s almost 100 miles from Jupiter to Bimini. The reason the “Bermuda Triangle” claims so many victims is poor navigation combined with dense traffic.

[FlJoePa]

It’s not unusual for kids this age to be out on the waters down here. I remember Gary Nicklaus bringing us back “clear bottle” Becks from the Bahamas when he was 15.

[CGASMIA68]

I spent years in the CG out of Miami flying SAR and lots of kids like these 2 know there stuff....but that being said some weird stuff happens out there in the Gulfstream.....

[CGASMIA68]

I remember those Becks too.....

[grumpygresh]

Or maybe they’re in Europa.

[FlJoePa]

I loved those beers. Higher alcohol content, and tasted perfect on a hot day. Drink 6 or 7 of those and you’re about done.

[mosesdapoet]

When I read that headline I immediately went for my telescope.

[EEGator]

What did/do you think of the Rescue Swimmers?

[Ditter]

I don’t think you need a license to operate your own boat. You need a license to take others out for money. But, I don’t think I would send a couple of kids like this out alone. Too much could happen.

[Vendome]

Maybe they hitched a ride with Mir?