Missing paddleboarder Tampa Bay area

[UDflyer]

Paddleboarder missing near Egmont Key

Read more: http://wfts.m0bl.net/r/zoumb

The Coast Guard is searching for a missing paddleboarder.

According to officials, Jeffrey Comer, 50, from Tampa, has been missing since Saturday evening.

A good Samaritan found Comer's paddleboard near the north entrance to the Manatee River Saturday and turned it into Holmes Beach police.

The board contained Comer's car keys, wallet, and cell phone.

Based off of I.D. found in the wallet, Tampa Police Department conducted a welfare check at his home.

Comer's vehicle was later found at Fort DeSoto.

Seven different agencies are currently searching for Comer with the aid of air support.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Comer, they are asked to call the Coast Guard at 727-824-7506.

[Newbomb]

That's tough news. Hoping for the best for him and his family.

[ericspin]

Wonder if he was wearing a leash? I know that I routinely paddle that same area without one as well. And in string winds or tide, especially in the ship channel out by Egmont your board could disappear in a split second. Hope for a good outcome for him and his family. Makes the risks involved very real when you hear something like this. How was the weather during that time?

[jdmotes]

 Wow! Hoping for the best, but sure sounds like very bad news...                  Paddle on,           JD

[ENCINITAS_SUP]

X2

[ENCINITAS_SUP]

I know that I routinely paddle that same area without one as well. And in string winds or tide, especially in the ship channel out by Egmont your board could disappear in a split second.

May be time to reconsider using a leash?  Stay safe out there.

[SUPsurferFL]

I saw this earlier today and almost posted it but didn't want to bum ya'll out. This is pretty close to home, i paddle down at Fort Desoto all the time. Hope he is alright, but it's not looking too good. For those who don't wear a leash, it's probably a good idea to reconsider that IMO. I wear one even when in flat water just incase, i mean, you never know. I'm a pretty good swimmer but things happen...

[pdxmike]

There was a discussion here awhile ago about safety, and surf monkey--who does water rescue work himself--made the comment that he wore a leash not just for his own safety, but to keep people from having to search or wonder what happened to him if something went wrong.  I agree completely.  This period of uncertainty must be awful for everyone involved. 

[PonoBill]

I don't think I've ever been on a Stand Up paddle board without a leash.

[shankfoo]

That is awful.  I hope they find his paddle with him alive holding it.  Kinda freaks me out thinking about how my GF and I're noob SUPers and we were futzing around Lido Key on rentals with no leash or PFD (granted we were rarely in any deep water, but everything's fine until it isn't, right?).  I asked but our rental dude didn't have any, don't any think of them down there did.  This also drives home the point that a celly isn't much good unless you can actually hold it and dial it.

[Ichabod Spoonbill]

Let's be careful out there, everybody. We're all pretty comfortable in water, but it always seems like these things happen when we're alone. A standard PFD and leash when paddling alone is a very good idea. I wear my waist PFD when I'm with others, but the standard one otherwise.

I want to always come back to my kids: my students too. They're worth a little inconvenience on my part.

[UDflyer]

Pretty sure Ive crossed paths with this guy, he only lives a half mile from my place.

Hes a pretty avid competitive paddler who also just competed in the Florida State Championships.

Its not looking good being its been about 48 hrs.

Ive never paddled out that way but have been there on boats many of times and like others have stated, currents are pretty strong in that area.

And to the poster above, I cant believe rental companies wouldnt provide a vest or leash for their own insurance purposes.

[stoneaxe]

Other than races and a couple times surfing I always wear a leash. For sure when out alone in the open ocean.

Safety out in the open needs to be stressed more for sure. Training finally for the season and that will mean some distance in the open. Leash, Hydration pack, belt PFD, and my phone, at least and if I think there is any chance of getting stuck out after dark a waterproof headlamp. I've been thinking about adding a waterproof VHF as well.

[addapost]

Whenever I hear of these types of mysterious missing paddler (usually kayak) stories, I wonder it was something medical (cardiac?). Leash or PFD probably wouldn't help but as pdxmike said at least you eliminate  the mystery for the family.
Tough situation. I wish the best for him, his family and his friends.

[RainWaves]

 Bummer to hear about this, and I hope they do find him. .

 I also never go out without one, and insist on everyone with me wears theirs at all times.
 Strange how timing like this is. I did some updates to my website yesterday, adding a long-overdue info page, in which I laid out a bunch of "safety tips", and one of them stressed the importance of always wearing a leash. Such a simple device that is not an inconvienance, I just don't get it.