VERO BEACH — U.S. Coast Guard crews and police continue to search for John Peters, 27, who officials said was last seen in the ocean Monday near Flamevine Lane Beach Access. Police on Wednesday obtained surveillance footage that showed Peters jump into the water, but never come back out.
“There is video evidence of him entering the water shortly after 6 p.m. His family has been notified of the video,” Vero Beach police spokesperson Kelsea Marty said. “His (brother) found his clothes and sandals on the beach in the sand north of Flamevine Lane Beach Access.”
#BREAKING @USCG & partner agencies crews are searching for John Peters, last seen Monday, at approximately 6 p.m. near Waldo’s Restaurant in Vero Beach. If you have any information on Mr. Peter’s whereabouts please contact Sector Miami at 305-535-4472. #SAR #MissingPerson pic.twitter.com/pJ9seWr8a2
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) January 11, 2023
Peters’ disappearance prompted a search Tuesday and Wednesday involving the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast and Vero Beach Police Department. Coast Guard crews used boats and aircrafts while police combed the shoreline for any sign of Peters, of Vero Beach, officials said.
Peters’ vehicle, a black 2013 Hyundai Tucson, was found parked in the 3100 block of Ocean Drive. Witnesses told police Peters was alone having a drink about 5 p.m. at Waldo’s Restaurant.
Police think Peters then walked to Flamevine Lane Beach Access. Surveillance video from the area captured Peters take off his fuzzy jacket, white shirt, tie dye bucket hat and sandals, reports show.
“He only had his shorts on,” Marty said. Police said Peters then went into the water.
It was unclear how long the search for Peters was expected to last. Anyone with information on Peters’ whereabouts should call the Coast Guard Sector Miami at 305-535-4472.