Vanished at Sea: The Unsolved Mystery of Tampa Paddleboarder Jeffrey Comer

A Passionate Adventurer Disappears

On April 28, 2012, Jeffrey Hunt Comer, a 50-year-old resident of Tampa's Harbour Island, embarked on a solo paddleboarding excursion from Fort DeSoto Park. An experienced waterman and former Air Force Academy graduate, Comer was known for his athleticism and love for outdoor activities, including kayaking, cycling, scuba diving, and rock climbing. He was also self-employed, working on government contracts. That day, he was last seen by a friend around 2 p.m. as he loaded his paddleboard into his vehicle. 

The Discovery of an Unmanned Paddleboard

Later that evening, around 11:30 p.m., a boater near Holmes Beach in Manatee County discovered an unmanned paddleboard adrift at the north entrance of the Manatee River. The board had a dry box affixed to it, containing Comer's personal items, including his wallet, car keys, and cell phone. The boater turned the board over to local authorities, prompting an immediate investigation. 

Initiation of a Multi-Agency Search

Upon identifying the owner of the paddleboard, the Tampa Police Department conducted a welfare check at Comer's residence, finding it unoccupied. His vehicle was located parked near Mullet Key in Fort DeSoto Park, showing no signs of foul play. Recognizing the urgency, multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, launched an extensive search operation covering approximately 600 square miles, from Egmont Key to Anna Maria Island. 

Search Efforts and Challenges

Over the next two days, search teams conducted 23 separate missions, accumulating more than 55 hours of search time. Despite the intensive efforts, no trace of Comer was found. The Coast Guard suspended the search on April 30, 2012, expressing condolences to Comer's family and friends. ...Read More

Share

Comments (0)

Leave A Comment