Search for Missing Commercial Fisherman Sterling Grover Suspended Due to Approaching Tropical Storm – The United States Coast Guard has announced the suspension of the search for Sterling Grover, a 29-year-old commercial fisherman who went missing at sea following an accident. The search, which had been underway since Friday night, was halted due to the imminent threat posed by an approaching tropical storm.
Sterling Grover, who was aboard the fishing vessel Jules, was reported missing by the vessel’s captain at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024. According to the captain’s report to Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders, Grover fell overboard approximately 80 miles off the coast of Sanibel Island, Florida. At the time of the incident, Grover was wearing khaki shorts and was not equipped with a personal flotation device, a crucial safety measure that significantly complicates search and rescue operations.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Coast Guard launched an extensive search operation involving rescue crews from Air Stations Miami and Clearwater. The search covered a vast area of 2,796 square miles, roughly the size of the state of Delaware. Despite the determined efforts of the Coast Guard teams, the search was conducted under challenging weather conditions, including 25-knot winds, 10-foot seas, and severe overhead storms. These harsh conditions not only hampered the search efforts but also posed significant risks to the rescue teams involved.
Commander Fredrick Pugh, the search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, expressed the difficulty of the decision to suspend the search. “It is never an easy decision to suspend an active search and rescue case,” Pugh stated. “We offer our sincere condolences to Mr. Grover’s family and friends.”
The decision to suspend the search was made with a heavy heart, acknowledging the dangerous conditions posed by the approaching tropical storm and the diminishing likelihood of Grover’s survival after being in the water for an extended period without proper safety gear.
The Coast Guard has issued an urgent marine information broadcast and is requesting that anyone with new information regarding Grover’s whereabouts contact Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at 866-881-1392. The thoughts and prayers of the community remain with Sterling Grover’s family and friends during this difficult time, as they mourn the loss of a beloved son, brother, and friend. Forever, calm seas and fair winds, Sterling Grover.
