Authorities search for missing paddleboarder last seen off of Dunedin
DUNEDIN, Fla. (WFLA) — Officials are searching for a missing man out of Dunedin who was kayaking and did not return from a trip.
The U.S. Coast Guard, deputies, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are looking for Ziad Abdeen, 49, who was reported missing to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Friday between 11 a.m. and noon.
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According to officials, Abdeen was last seen on an inflatable blue and white paddleboard out of the Dunedin Marina. His vehicle was found in the parking lot of the Dunedin Boat Club, located at 49 Marina Plaza.
The USCG said a coworker reported that Abdeen was stranded on an island and was going to try and get back by 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
Crews began searching the boat club around 12:45 a.m. on Saturday. Deputies discovered Abdeen had parked his car in the lot around 12:45 p.m. on Friday. His paddleboard was found at around 3 p.m. under a dock, located at 2685 St. Joseph’s Drive, on Friday.
On Saturday, crews searched the area of the Dunedin Causeway and the Dunedin Marina. As of 8:15 p.m. Saturday evening, officials have suspended the search for the day and will continue searching on Sunday.
He was wearing dark shorts and a light blue T-shirt at the time.
“The decision to suspend a search is never an easy one,” Chief Warrant Officer Dennise Werre, a command duty officer with Sector St. Petersburg said. “Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Ziad Abdeen.”
If you know where he is, call the Sector St. Petersburg command center at 866-881-1392.
This is an active and ongoing investigation.
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