No signs of distress after search for boater off Fla. coast

US Coast Guard, deputies investigate separate possible flare sighting

PONCE DE LEON INLET, Fla. – Authorities searched Thursday evening for a possible mariner in distress 20 miles east of Ponce de Leon Inlet, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Crews were notified of the incident after hearing a "Mayday" call around 5:26 p.m. Wedneesday. Officials said the crew members attempted to communicate with the caller but had no response.

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The Coast Guard pinpointed the area where the call came by using two radio towers in Deltona and St. Cloud. A Navy airplane crew in the area reported hearing the call as well and began to search for any boats in distress, authorities said.

Officials said crews found no signs of distress or boats showing signs of distress during their search Wednesday night.

A boat crew left the search area and went to Ormond Beach to investigate a possible flare sighting. The U.S. Coast Guard said the Volusia County Sheriff's Office is helping the crew investigate.

The Coast Guard said there is no word on whether the two incidents are connected.


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