Charles Persho Missing Person Case

Charles Jacob Persho, a 25-year-old man, went missing on January 14, 1998, while aboard the fishing vessel "Kelly J" in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 60 miles west of Madeira Beach, Florida. Four days earlier, Persho had been hired by Edward Ballo, the owner of the vessel, to join the fishing trip. According to Ballo, Persho became ill and began hallucinating while they were out at sea. In his confused state, Persho jumped overboard into the water. Ballo tried to assist by throwing him ropes and a ladder, but Persho refused help and pushed them away.

Ballo then contacted the U.S. Coast Guard, but by the time they arrived, Persho had vanished. Despite an extensive search, Persho was never found, and he is believed to have drowned. His body has not been recovered, and the case remains open but unsolved. Persho was described as having black hair, hazel eyes, and a tattoo on his upper left arm.
Last Seen: Jan 14, 1998

Missing Person / NamUs #MP10829 - Office of Justice Programs

Coast Guard stops search for missing man in gulf - Tampa Bay Times

Charles Jacob Persho - The Charley Project

3577DMFL - Charles Jacob Persho - Doe Network

Searchers fail to find man lost in gulf - Tampa Bay Times

Missing Persons - - Pinellas County Sheriff's Office