Coast Guard suspends search for 94-year-old fisherman who went missing off Galveston’s coast

GALVESTON, Texas – A 94-year-old Galveston fisherman reportedly went missing off the coast of Galveston, the U.S. Coast Guard reported Saturday.

On Monday, officials announced that the search for Frank Marinic was suspended. Crews reportedly searched approximately 3,087 square miles for over 25 hours.

“Since Saturday, our Coast Guard crews, using all available assets, have been putting forth their best effort to find Mr. Marinic, working tirelessly and covering over 3,000 square miles during our search,” said deputy commander of Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston Capt. Keith Donohue. “Mr. Marinic is a well-known and experienced maritime worker and is also a pillar in the Galveston fishing community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who know him, during this most difficult time.”

Marinic was last seen on his 34-foot white fishing boat named the “Mar Boa.”

94-year-old Frank Marinic was last seen on this 34-foot white fishing boat. Crews are still searching for him. (Copyright 2021 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

Marinic’s friends notified the Coast Guard that he was expected to return to Galveston on Saturday, but never came back.

Officials located Marinic’s fishing vessel near the Claypile Bank, located 90 miles offshore, where rescue swimmers confirmed there was no one inside the vessel.

Anyone with information on Marinic can contact the Coast Guard Houston-Galveston Command Center at 281-464-4851.


About the Authors

A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. In 2020, she joined the KPRC 2 digital team as an intern. Ana is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, a catmom of 3, and an aquarium enthusiast. In her spare time, she's an avid video gamer and loves to travel.

Moriah Ballard joined the KPRC 2 digital team in the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming a digital content producer in Southeast Texas and a Houstonian, Moriah was an award-winning radio host in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and previously worked as a producer/content creator in Cleveland. Her faith, family, and community are her top passions.

Recommended Videos