The Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing kayaker at 6:45 p.m., Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, near Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida, pending the development of new information. Missing is 18-year-old Elías Guillermo Lara Vargas. (U.S Coast Guard)
(Tribune News Service) — U.S. Coast Guard crews suspended their search Monday for an 18-year-old kayaker last seen near Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida two days ago.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers alerted the Coast Guard that two kayakers were seen in distress near the park about 6 p.m. Sunday, according to a Coast Guard news release.
Rescue crews learned that a group of three people were kayaking. Two of them began to drift far from shore before capsizing due to rough waves, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Dunedin Fire Rescue crews rescued one kayaker within 30 to 40 minutes, said Chief Michael Handoga.
“There was approximately three or four foot waves, and she was getting consistently battered. The water was just coming over her,” he said. “She was hypothermic and obviously exhausted.”
The sheriff’s office identified the kayaker as 19-year-old Savannah Ozer.
After taking the Ozer to a waiting ambulance, crews got back in the water to search for the second kayaker, later identified as Elías Guillermo Lara Vargas.
Ozer was returning to shore when her kayak capsized, Handoga said. Vargas had tried to help her.
“Because of the conditions, even though he got off his kayak to try to go assist, he never made it to her,” the fire chief said.
Rescue crews called for additional resources to locate Vargas. Fire rescue boats from Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission joined the effort.
“We were searching the area with six boats and the Sheriff’s helicopter, and we had land units from Dunedin checking Honeymoon Island coastline on the ground,” Handoga said. “There was a lot of resources being utilized.”
Coast Guard crews searched about 290 square miles by air and sea. Rough weather brought 10- to 15-mph winds and 3- to 4-foot seas.
Tampa Bay waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs are under a small craft advisory until 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
“The sea conditions were not favorable at all,” Handoga said. “Our crews put themselves in harm’s way going out in the small craft advisory. So, after three hours, the decision was to bring the fire rescue resources in and turn over the search to the U.S. Coast Guard.”
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders launched rescue crews to Vargas’s last known position. The search for Vargas, who is still missing, was called off about 6:45 p.m. Monday, according to the Coast Guard news release.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Vargas’ loved ones during this difficult time,” said Lt. Vincente Garcia, a Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg search and rescue mission coordinator, in the news release. “Suspending a search is never a decision taken lightly. We are thankful to our crews and partner agencies for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts.”
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is leading the missing person investigation.
Officials said anyone with information about the whereabouts of Vargas can call the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center at 866-881-1392.
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