Alfonso Vargas-Parra, 35, and three companions vanished after embarking on a fishing trip from Venice, Florida, on February 17, 2024. The other men were identified as Angel Hernandez Munoz, 38, Julio Cordero Briones, 37, and Ruben Mora, 54. The group set out into the Gulf of Mexico around 8:00 a.m. from the Marina Park Boat Ramp. They were aboard a white 23-foot 1995 Sportcraft motorboat with the registration sticker FL9937HC.
The men, described as experienced fishermen, failed to return that evening as planned, prompting family members to contact authorities on Sunday morning. One of the men, Ruben Mora, is diabetic and did not have his medication with him. The weather conditions at the time of their departure were not rough, but heavy fog rolled in later that afternoon. Conditions worsened overnight and into Sunday, with winds picking up and waves reaching four to six feet, which would have been hazardous for a small boat.
An extensive search was launched involving multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard. The search efforts covered more than 10,000 square nautical miles over 60 hours but yielded no sign of the missing men or their vessel. The official search was suspended on the evening of February 19, 2024. Despite the suspension of the official search, the families of the missing men have continued to hold out hope, with some chartering private flights to continue looking for their loved ones. The men are believed to be lost at sea.
Last Seen: Feb 17, 2024
