Fisherman’s body found in Gulf off Venice coast

UPDATED at 10:15 p.m. with recovery of body.

Searchers have recovered the body of a 69-year-old man who fell overboard in the Gulf during a fishing trip Wednesday night, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

A boat crew for the Coast Guard’s Cortez station recovered Ricky Baker after searching approximately 100 square miles of water overnight, officials said.

The Coast Guard received a call from a dock manager in Madeira Beach at 9 p.m., Tuesday, saying the crew of the fishing vessel High Voltage reported by satellite phone that Baker was believed to have fallen overboard around 8 p.m.

“Our condolences go to Mr. Baker’s family and friends,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Shawn Lansing, deputy commander for the area. “We are relieved to provide some closure to his loved ones.”

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

#Breaking USCG Station Cortez, Air Station Clearwater, & cutters Diamondback & Shrike crews are searching for a 69 yr old man overboard from a fishing vessel 46 mil offshore Venice, FL. Crews have searched through the night. Mariners w/ info can contact CG on VHF radio ch 16. pic.twitter.com/kMBQkFGdlX
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) October 13, 2021