Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP116472)
Jose Cruz Ledesma, a 60-year-old man, was last seen on February 9, 2024, after departing from the Maximo Marina boat ramp in St. Petersburg, Florida. Ledesma was on a 28-foot boat with two other individuals when the vessel began to take on water and eventually capsized in the Gulf of Mexico, west of Anna Maria Island. While the two other boaters were rescued by the Coast Guard, Ledesma went missing in the chaos. Despite a rigorous 11-hour search involving Coast Guard vessels and helicopters, the search was suspended the following day with no signs of him.
The survivors described the harrowing event, noting that the boat sank suddenly, leaving them without life jackets or an opportunity to send a distress call. The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of safety measures such as wearing life jackets and using emergency signaling devices. As of now, Ledesma remains missing, and his case has not been resolved. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and seek any information that could provide closure.Last Seen: Feb 9, 2024
