Searches for two separate mariners underway

Two separate searches began Tuesday afternoon for two separate Big Pine Key mariners who have been reported missing.

The U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have assisted in the search for both.

The first case the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of is regarding John G. Gyurstak, 74, of 29546 Saratoga Ave., Big Pine Key, whose 33-foot Fountain center console boat (named Thermocline) was found anchored with the triple Mercury® outboard engines on and at idle off Little Palm Island about 2:30 p.m. A PFD was found on board. There were no initial signs of foul play. The Sheriff’s Office Dive Team also responded in this case. It was unclear if the Dive Team would respond on Wednesday given water conditions. The FWC is the investigating agency in the case. The U.S. Coast Guard and FWC continued their search as of 11 a.m. Wednesday.

The second case was reported about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard and the FWC are currently looking for Lance Arnold Hartkopp, 56, of 29859 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, whose 2001 Dodge Ram pickup truck and boat trailer were found at the end of Blimp Road on Cudjoe Key by his roommate on Tuesday. The roommate said she had been out-of-town and last spoke to Hartkopp via text on Sunday. The roommate stated she returned home on Tuesday and noticed the truck and boat were gone. She attempted to call Hartkopp and received no answer. She then went to the Blimp Road boat ramp on Cudjoe Key, which Hartkopp often uses. The truck and trailer were both there and the truck was unlocked. Hartkopp’s cell phone was inside the truck. The roommate stated that Hartkopp is typically never on the water at night and usually returns to the boat ramp by 2 p.m.

Hartkopp’s boat is described as an older, white, 20-foot Chaparral® walkaround with a black T-top and a 150 horsepower, two-stroke, Yamaha® outboard engine.

Hartkopp’s son also contacted the Sheriff’s Office and stated Hartkopp typically frequents the Content Keys and Kemp Channel. The search for Hartkopp remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding Mr. Gyurstak  or Mr. Hartkopp should call 911, use Channel 16 VHF if on the water, or call the FWC at 888-404-3922.

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