Search for missing Vero Beach boater continues off Brevard County coast

Boat, belongings of Dale Hossfield, 68, found Wednesday

MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. – Search and rescue efforts for man whose boat was found on Melbourne Beach Wednesday evening continued overnight Friday, according to updates from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Dale Hossfield, 68, of Vero Beach, was reportedly in the Fort Pierce Inlet area around 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Coast Guard said in a statement. At 5:45 p.m., USCG Watchstanders were notified that Hossfield’s 29-foot boat had washed ashore with its engines still on. Some of his personal belongings were still inside, including his wallet and cell phone.

[TRENDING: Florida lottery winner discovers unemployment benefits collected by imposter | Another round of storms, heavy rain expected for Central Florida | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]

At least seven USCG crews initially took to the water and air to look for Hossfield, as well as crews from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release.

Anyone with knowledge of Hossfield’s whereabouts is urged to contact the USCG Sector Miami command center at 305-535-4472.

This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for the latest updates.


About the Author:

Brandon, a UCF grad, joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021. Before joining News 6, Brandon worked at WDBO.