Missing St. Petersburg Boater Located Deceased 26-034

ST. PETERSBURG – The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard, multiple Fire Rescue Units, Eckerd College, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to assist in the search of a missing boater in the channel south of Maximo Park in St. Petersburg.  

According to detectives, on April 11, 2026, at approximately 11:35 a.m., deputies responded to a call for service at 6701 Sunshine Skyway Lane South in St. Petersburg, where it was reported that 63-year-old Tony Le had fallen into the water from a vessel near channel marker 18. Numerous witnesses attempted to locate Le in the water but were unsuccessful.

Through their investigation, detectives learned Le was boating with his family, sitting at the rear of the boat, while they were cruising at about 10 miles per hour. Once Le’s family realized he had fallen overboard, they immediately turned the boat around and entered the water, along with other nearby boaters, but were unsuccessful in locating Le.

Detectives say Le has medical impairments and was wearing a life jacket at the time of launch but appeared to have removed it prior to entering the water.

Primary search efforts were suspended at nightfall and recovery efforts resumed the morning of April 12, 2026.  

On April 12, 2026, at approximately 3:27 p.m., Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team members entered the water in the channel and after several recovery dives, were able to locate Le’s body at an approximate depth of 19 feet.

The incident appears to be accidental.  

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.

Additional Information:
Tony Le – (Missing Boater- Deceased)
DOB: 11/20/1962
Boat: 2002 19-foot Proline