Coast Guard Searching for Missing Boat with NFL Players

by Christopher Gates on Mar 1, 2009 11:05 AM CST

An awful, terrible story from the folks at ABC News:

The Coast Guard is searching for a missing fishing boat about 50 miles off-shore in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to Coast Guard officials, the 21-foot fishing boat left from a boat ramp in Clearwater Pass Saturday about 6:30 am with 4 people on board.

A dispatcher told ABC Action News 3 of them are NFL players. One of the plays for the Detroit Lions, and one plays for the Oakland Raiders, the dispatcher said.

The boaters were supposed to return sometime after dark but never did, officials said. A friend called the Coast Guard at about 1:30 am and reported them missing.

Please keep the men and women that were aboard this boat in your thoughts and prayers. At the risk of sounding a bit grim, this looks to be quite the tragic turn of events.

UPDATE: The two aforementioned players are Lions' DE Corey Smith and Raiders' LB Marquis Cooper.

This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.

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As a survivor

I know the value of many prayers. Remember these men and pray for a happy ending.

by CitrusFLViking on Mar 1, 2009 2:28 PM CST reply actions

update

I am following the missing players down here in the Tampa area. I can tell you one thing. Boaters were warned about going out yesterday as a big storm front approached. The waters in the Gulf change very quickly. I am shocked these men went out. Small craft adviseries were put out for last night and today. A sad and sorry choice these guys made.

by CitrusFLViking on Mar 1, 2009 4:13 PM CST reply actions