Search stopped for local man lost at sea

LONGBOAT KEY — Search efforts for a 20-year-old Bradenton man who went over the bow of a fishing boat were suspended Friday night by the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The search for Michael Taylor began after he fell off of a 43-foot commercial stone crab boat belonging to a friend, the Cindy Lee, just before 7:30 p.m. Thursday, about 10 miles west of Longboat Key.

The commercial boat was being used for recreational purposes at the time, according to investigators.

Another person on board reported the incident shortly afterward and a Coast Guard search ensued that ceased at 9:45 p.m. Friday.

“There was never a single pause or break in the search,” said Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Rob Simpson. “After exhausting and searching over this area and after a reasonable amount of time had passed, we believe we would have found him.”

Susan Taylor, who raised Taylor, said his brother, 21-year-old Anthony, had just taken the wheel as Michael went overboard.

“Michael was grabbing a rope when he slipped,” she said, noting he had an injured arm. “He’s extremely clumsy and always has been. He went under the boat. They saw blood and knew he hit the boat.”

According to Coast Guard reports, Taylor never resurfaced.

Susan Taylor said she received a phone call from the boat shortly after the incident. Members on board contacted the Coast Guard within minutes,

Some family members jumped in the water after Anthony turned the wheel and dropped the anchor, she said.

Susan Taylor said both boys enjoyed fishing and grew up on the water.

Michael Taylor, who comes from a fishing family, had Cortez fishermen cruising the waterways searching for his body Friday afternoon, she said.

“They will bring Michael home,” she said after learning the search would be discontinued Friday.

A memorial service for Michael Taylor has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Longboat Pass on the bay side, she said.

“He was the best kid,” she said. “He had the biggest heart.”

She is requesting people who attend wear board shorts and flip flops in his honor.

“That’s all Michael,” she said smiling.

Gary Morse, spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said it will take approximately six to eight weeks to investigate the incident.

A blood draw was taken on the driver of the boat, he said. It’s unclear if alcohol was a factor, he said.