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Press Release | March 28, 2023

Coast Guard, partner agencies suspend search for missing man near Elliot Key

Seventh Coast Guard District

MIAMI — Coast Guard and partner agencies suspended their search, Tuesday, for a 51-year-old male who went missing in the vicinity of Elliott Key.  

Missing is Harvin Woods. 

Coast Guard Sector Miami watchstanders received a report of a missing person at approximately 12:20 a.m., Sunday, stating that Woods had not returned to Bayfront Park Marina from Elliot Key sandbar.  

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launches of a Coast Guard Station Miami Beach rescue crew and an Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew. 

The Coast Guard and partner agencies searched for approximately 36 hours, covering more than 930 square miles.  

“The decision to suspend search and rescue operations is always a difficult one,” said Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Tuxhorn, a Coast Guard Sector Miami search and rescue mission coordinator. “Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones during this challenging time.”.  

Search and rescue crews include:  

  • Coast Guard Air Station Miami  
  • Coast Guard Station Miami Beach  
  • Miami Dade Marine Patrol  
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission  
  • Biscayne National Park Rangers  

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 -USCG- 

search and rescue USCG Elliot Key

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