SV Bella Dawn missing en route Boot Key to Bimini Bahamas

[requiem]

Just saw this come across the web:

https://twitter.com/USCGSoutheast/st...05214353514499

#Breaking @USCG are searching for Ward Stogdill aboard the 36-foot S/V Bella Dawn. Reported to have left Boot Key Thursday at 5:30am & last made contact at 10:30am. Stogdill is a 55-yo white male. Contact 305-415-6800 if you have any info about Stogdill.

Some additional details:

https://boatwatch.org/current-watche...-fl-to-bimini/

Bolo has been issued for SV Bella Dawn Boot Key to Bimini Bahamas

RCC USCG Miami has asked for help in locating SV Bella Dawn. On board is solo sailor, William Stogdill, age 52. On Thursday, October 28, 2021, the captain told friends that he thought he could beat the weather and cross to Bimini, Bahamas. He has not been heard from since. USCG has an active search activated with aircraft.

Report all sightings to RCC Miami.

[Celestialsailor]

Looks like a Hans Christian 36.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Looks like a Hans Christian 36.

[LarryDW]

Baba 30.

[ArmyDaveNY]

Does anyone know what the weather was at the time?

[hernandobeach]

The night he departed the winds got to 30-40 and the next day over 20. Not a day to cross and he should not have tried to beat the weather! I pray for him!

[ArmyDaveNY]

Originally Posted by hernandobeach

The night he departed the winds got to 30-40 and the next day over 20. Not a day to cross and he should not have tried to beat the weather! I pray for him!

Thank you for the information. I hope and pray for him and his family.

[salfarina]

🙏🏼 For his safe rescue.

[Wilyum]

A Baba 30, 40 knots, he’s in good hands.

[HopCar]

Here is his last post on Facebook. It sounds like he changed his mind and headed to Miami to wait for weather and get a COVID test. I wonder if he is sitting in No Name harbor and doesn’t know he’s missing? https://www.facebook.com/svbella.dawn

[requiem]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Here is his last post on Facebook. It sounds like he changed his mind and headed to Miami to wait for weather and get a COVID test. I wonder if he is sitting in No Name harbor and doesn’t know he’s missing? https://www.facebook.com/svbella.dawn

Good eye! For those without FB, in that video he says "I'm gonna go to Biscayne and wait for a good weather window, because I'm scared that I'm gonna get clobbered right outside of Bimini if I go today, and I don't feel like it."

Edit: I see Coast Guard reported his last contact was at 1030 local, and the video was posted around 0803, so he may have gone for it after all.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Here is his last post on Facebook. It sounds like he changed his mind and headed to Miami to wait for weather and get a COVID test. I wonder if he is sitting in No Name harbor and doesn’t know he’s missing? https://www.facebook.com/svbella.dawn

I know, I hope that's true!
Prayers.
SV Cloud Duster

[Mara Mae]

Does he not have AIS?

[smj]

Originally Posted by Mara Mae

Does he not have AIS?

Don’t think so, but I believe he has an Epirb

[jewt]

The only weather you can control is the weather you leave in. Works for boats and planes!

jewt
retired Marine fighter pilot