Trevor Moore: Coast Guard Suspends Search

Miami, FL (June 27, 2015) – Search efforts for a missing Olympic sailor, Trevor Moore, in Biscayne Bay, Florida, were suspended Saturday evening at sunset.

The Coast Guard and partner agencies covered more than 510 square nautical miles and completed more than 29 search patterns before suspending the three day search.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones affected,” said Capt. Michael Long, Coast Guard Sector Miami deputy commander. “Despite the tireless search efforts by multiple agencies and good Samaritans, we were unable to find Mr. Moore.”

Moore was last seen around 1 p.m. Thursday at the U.S. Sailing Center in Coconut Grove before heading out alone on his boat. He was last seen wearing a dark shirt and swim shorts.

On Thursday, Moore was reported missing when security personnel at Dinner Key Marina, Miami, found his unmanned 16-foot boat at the marina just before 6 p.m. The boat’s engine was running and Moore’s personal belongs were found onboard.

The boat’s GPS indicates at some point there was a shift in direction and speed around a mile from Soldier Key. Personal items of Moore’s, including a life vest, remained on the VSR rigid-hulled inflatable boat when it was found.

The Coast Guard diverted an MH-65 rescue helicopter crew based out of Miami and launched a rescue boat crew from Station Miami Beach to search for the missing sailor. Additional boat crews from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), City of Miami Police Department, the National Park service and good Samaritans joined in the three day search along with a helicopter crew from Miami Dade County Fire Rescue.

FWC is leading the investigation into the incident.

After winning College Sailor of the Year honors for Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2007, Moore competed in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Trials in the Laser class, finishing 4th. Moore competed in the 2012 London Olympics, finishing 15th with skipper Erik Storck in the 49er class. Following the 2012 Olympics, Moore switched from the crew position in the 49er to skipper, and campaigned for Rio 2016. He retired from campaigning in the Summer of 2014, and has remained involved in Olympic sailing as a coach.

The native of North Pomfret, Vermont, and former resident of Naples now lives in Miami. Fiancée Libby Patton’s Facebook page says they were engaged March 6 and asks friends to pray for Moore.

“We are deeply saddened by Trevor’s disappearance on Biscayne Bay, and wish to extend our sympathies to the Moore family,” said Josh Adams, Managing Director of US Olympic Sailing. “In his time as a Laser and 49er sailor, Trevor has performed at a high level and made major contributions to the US Olympic sailing effort. In addition to the US Coast Guard’s highly professional search for Trevor on Biscayne Bay, an extensive volunteer effort was organized and led by sailors on all manner of craft, which is a testament to the impact Trevor has had on the sailing community. Our thoughts are with his fiancée Libby Patton and the entire Moore family.”

MORE: A fleet of volunteer boats have been searching for Moore on Biscyane Bay, with a fund now set up to support this effort. All excess funds raised will be donated to the US Coast Guard Foundation. To contribute to this fund: www.gofundme.com/findtrevor

Trevor Moore’s boat. Photo: Walt Michot, Miami Herald staff