Robert Luka, a 44-year-old commercial fisherman, was reported missing on January 13, 2026, after he disappeared from the fishing vessel 'Bearcat' in the Gulf of Mexico. Luka was last seen late on the night of January 11, 2026, when the vessel was approximately 82 miles off the coast of Pasco County, Florida. A crew member on the 'Bearcat' reported him missing to the U.S. Coast Guard on the morning of January 13th.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance from the vessel remain unknown.
Luka, described as being 5'11" with brown hair and green eyes, was last seen wearing a t-shirt and shorts of an unknown color. His journey began on January 7, 2026, when he boarded the commercial fishing vessel at the Port of Hudson. The vessel made a stop in Cortez, in Manatee County, before continuing further offshore. The report of his disappearance was filed with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office on January 12, 2026.
Following the report, the U.S. Coast Guard launched a search effort, with aircrews covering an estimated 1,400 miles. The search was conducted in conditions of 17 mph winds and 2 to 3-foot seas. However, the search was suspended on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, pending any new information. The Pasco County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the case and has asked anyone with information to contact their non-emergency line.Last Seen: Jan 11, 2026
