Marine Strong Wind — Volusia-brevard County Line To Sebastian Inlet 0-20nm, Atlantic South

2016-02-14 · near Cocoa Beach, Volusia-brevard County Line To Sebastian Inlet 0-20nm, Atlantic South

Event narrative

A mariner who departed Port Canaveral in a 17-foot fishing boat during the early-morning hours was lost at sea and presumed drowned. It is likely that the boater left port in light winds and small seas, but quickly encountered north winds gusting to 20 knots and building seas of 4-5 feet just offshore. The unoccupied boat was found late at night, about 20 miles south of Port Canaveral.

Wider weather episode

Although light north winds prevailed near-shore when a lone mariner departed Port Canaveral during the early morning hours, northeast winds likely became 12-16 knots just offshore, with peak winds near 20 knots, resulting in choppy 4-5 foot seas. The empty boat was found late at night at Indian Harbour Beach, about 20 miles south of Port Canaveral. The search for the missing boater was suspended after several days and the occupant was presumed drowned.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (28.3209, -80.5010)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 614266. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.