The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for John Peters, who disappeared after jumping into the ocean earlier this week, officials said Thursday. Coast Guard aircrafts and boats combed more than 1,440 miles in 42 hours across the waters for any sign of Peters, 27, of Vero Beach.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends Mr. Peters,” Lieutenant Commander Andrew Sinclair, a Sector Miami search and rescue mission coordinator, said in a statement. Vero Beach police continue to search for Peters, spokesperson Kelsea Marty said.
John Peters
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VERO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Coast Guard and Vero Beach police began searching for Peters on Tuesday, officials said.
Witnesses said they last saw Peters about 5 p.m. Monday having a drink at Waldo’s Restaurant, a popular beachfront eatery and bar on Ocean Drive. Police think Peters walked south to the Flamevine Lane Beach Access.
Surveillance video captured Peters take off his jacket, shirt, hat and sandals, Marty said. The footage showed Peters only wearing shorts when he jumped into the ocean, according to police.
Peters’ brother found his clothes on the beach, reports show. The brother also found Peters’ black 2013 Hyundai Tucson parked in the 3100 block of Ocean Drive, police said.
Vero Beach police issued an alert on social media Tuesday asking for the public’s help in finding Peters. Anyone with information on Peters’ whereabouts should call the Coast Guard Sector Miami at 305-535-4472 or police Det. Sean Crowley at 772-978-4664.