James Matthew Meulemans II, a 12-year-old boy, went missing on December 20, 1987, during a fishing expedition off the coast of Florida. James, his father, James Meulemans Sr., and two other men, Captain John DeGoes and Frank Doherty, embarked from Port Canaveral in a 21-foot Chris Craft boat early that morning. They were expected to return by nightfall, but the boat never came back.
Six days later, on December 26, the body of Captain DeGoes was discovered about 12 miles off Daytona Beach. In January 1988, the body of James Meulemans Sr. washed ashore. Despite extensive search efforts, neither James Jr. nor Frank Doherty were ever found, nor was the boat. Authorities were puzzled by the lack of distress signals, especially since the captain was experienced, the weather was calm, and the boat was equipped with a radio.
Investigators have speculated that both James and Doherty were lost at sea. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance remain unclear, leaving the case unresolved despite numerous attempts to locate the missing individuals and their vessel. James was a vibrant, energetic boy, described as intelligent and happy, who loved fishing. His disappearance has left an enduring mystery for both his family and the broader community.
Last Seen: Dec 20, 1987
