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Crime Solvers Central
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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP29931) and 10 other sources
Louis Robert Piatt, 66 years old, was last seen on December 29, 2011, off the coast of Malibu, California. That afternoon, Piatt set off on a solo kayaking trip from Malibu Pier. Around 3:00 p.m., he called 911, reporting chest pains and heavy breathing while out in the water, but the call abruptly ended before he could provide his exact location. When rescue teams arrived, they found his overturned kayak and a life vest, but there was no sign of Piatt himself. His vehicle was discovered parked near the pier.

Despite a 23-hour search covering 110 square miles, no trace of Piatt was found. Witnesses reported seeing a large motorboat speeding away from the area just before rescue teams arrived. This led to speculation that Piatt may have either faked his death or been involved in some other suspicious circumstance. However, Piatt’s family dismissed the idea of him faking his death, pointing to his close relationship with his teenage sons and lack of prior warning signs.

Piatt, a real estate executive and former Marine, remains missing, and authorities continue to seek information about his disappearance, particularly concerning the motorboat seen near the site. His case remains unsolved, and investigators have not ruled out any possibilities.

Last Seen: Dec 29, 2011