Missing Florida Man Found Clinging To Capsized Boat, Rescued

A 68-year-old man reported missing off the east coast of Florida was rescued Sunday after he was found clinging to the hull of his capsized boat.

Crew members aboard the U.S. Coast Guard's container ship Angeles spotted Stuart Bee about 86 miles east of Port Canaveral on Sunday. Bee was reported missing Saturday, almost a day after he set sail on his 32-foot boat, the Stingray, from the Cape Marina in Port Canaveral.

A marina member informed the Coast Guard officials after Bee did not return Friday night as it was unusual of him to stay overnight in the sea.

The Coast Guard dispatched a C-130 Hercules aircrew to find Bee. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol was also involved in the search and rescue mission. An "enhanced group call" was issued that intimated nearby mariners about the missing boat.

Bee got stranded in the sea after his vessel malfunctioned due to a mechanical issue, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class David Micallef told Florida Today.

Bee managed to stay alive by clinging to the hull of his broken boat, which was slowly sinking into the deep sea. When Angeles sailed by Sunday morning, Bee took off his shirt and called out for help.

"It's an amazing story. We're just very thankful for the motor vessel Angeles and their entire crew for keeping a sharp lookout," Micallef said.

"And we're just very thankful, especially during this holiday season, that we can bring this man home to his family," he added.

The coast guard released images of the rescue operation in which Bee can be seen swimming away from his capsized boat toward an orange life ring. Another image shows Bee climbing aboard the Angeles.

"Saving lives at sea is our highest calling. This is a truly incredible outcome that demonstrates the bond among all mariners and our community," Capt. Mark Vlaun, commanding officer of Sector Jacksonville, said in a statement. "Thank you to our mission partners that launch into action and to all who got the word out to find and rescue Mr. Bee."

No updates are available about his current condition.