Jacksonville, December 18, 2025
The search for 69-year-old Thomas Davis, who went missing after his boat was found adrift in Jacksonville, has been suspended by the U.S. Coast Guard. Davis was last seen operating his boat before it was discovered with his belongings onboard but without any sign of him. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the search area to allow for ongoing operations.
Jacksonville, Florida
The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for 69-year-old Thomas Davis, who was reported missing after his boat was found adrift on December 14, 2025. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Details of the Incident
On December 14, 2025, around 1:30 p.m., Thomas Davis, 69, was last seen operating his boat in the Jacksonville area. Several hours later, his vessel was discovered adrift, with his cellphone and watch onboard, but without any sign of Davis. The Coast Guard initiated an extensive search operation, covering a significant area over the following days. Despite these efforts, no additional evidence or sightings of Davis were reported, leading to the suspension of the search. The FWC and JSO are now leading the investigation to determine the circumstances of his disappearance. The public is urged to avoid the search zone to allow divers and officers to work safely. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact the appropriate authorities.
Background Context
Incidents involving missing boaters are not uncommon in the Jacksonville area. For instance, in March 2025, a boat capsized on the St. Johns River, resulting in multiple fatalities and one child remaining missing. In that case, the Coast Guard suspended its search after an exhaustive effort, and the FWC and JSO continued the investigation. Such incidents highlight the importance of boating safety and the challenges faced by search and rescue operations in the region.
Safety Recommendations
Boaters are advised to adhere to safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents. This includes wearing life jackets, ensuring all safety equipment is onboard and in good condition, and being aware of weather conditions before setting out. Additionally, it’s crucial to inform someone about your boating plans and expected return time. These precautions can significantly enhance safety on the water and assist in search and rescue operations if needed.
Related Incidents
Other recent incidents in the region include the suspension of searches for missing individuals off the Florida coast. For example, in August 2023, the Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing diver off Key West, Florida, after an extensive search yielded no results. Such cases underscore the inherent risks associated with water activities and the importance of safety measures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Thomas Davis?
Thomas Davis, 69, was last seen operating his boat in the Jacksonville area on December 14, 2025. His boat was later found adrift with his cellphone and watch onboard, but without any sign of Davis. The Coast Guard conducted an extensive search, which was eventually suspended. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) are now leading the investigation into his disappearance.
Why was the search suspended?
The search was suspended after no additional evidence or sightings of Thomas Davis were reported following the initial extensive search operation conducted by the Coast Guard.
What are the authorities doing now?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Thomas Davis’s disappearance. They are urging the public to avoid the search zone to allow divers and officers to work safely. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact the appropriate authorities.
Have there been similar incidents in the area?
Yes, there have been similar incidents in the Jacksonville area. For example, in March 2025, a boat capsized on the St. Johns River, resulting in multiple fatalities and one child remaining missing. In that case, the Coast Guard suspended its search after an exhaustive effort, and the FWC and JSO continued the investigation.
What safety measures should boaters take?
Boaters are advised to adhere to safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents. This includes wearing life jackets, ensuring all safety equipment is onboard and in good condition, and being aware of weather conditions before setting out. Additionally, it’s crucial to inform someone about your boating plans and expected return time. These precautions can significantly enhance safety on the water and assist in search and rescue operations if needed.
Have there been other recent search suspensions in the region?
Yes, other recent incidents in the region include the suspension of searches for missing individuals off the Florida coast. For example, in August 2023, the Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing diver off Key West, Florida, after an extensive search yielded no results. Such cases underscore the inherent risks associated with water activities and the importance of safety measures.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Thomas Davis, 69 |
| Incident Date | December 14, 2025 |
| Conditions of the Boat | Found adrift with cellphone and watch onboard |
| Investigating Authorities | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office |
| Previous Similar Incident | March 2025, boat capsized on the St. Johns River |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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