Search ends for NFL players lost off Fla. coast
By CHRISTINE ARMARIO, Associated Press Writer Christine Armario, Associated Press Writer 24 mins ago
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Coast Guard called off the search Tuesday for two NFL players and a third man lost at sea off the Florida coast after their boat capsized during a fishing trip.
Officials said the search would end at sundown, with Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free-agent defensive lineman Corey Smith, who played with the Detroit Lions last season, and former South Florida player William Bleakley still missing in the rough, chilly seas.
"We're extremely confident that if there are any survivors on the surface of the water that we would have found them," said Coast Guard Capt. Timothy Close, who added that searchers scoured the equivalent of 24,000 square miles over more than 60 hours.
Hopes were raised Monday when crews found a fourth man who was aboard, 24-year-old former South Florida player Nick Schuyler, who managed to stay with the boat after it overturned Saturday evening.
William Bleakley's father said he felt comfortable with the Coast Guard's decision and that his expectations lowered after only one survivor was found.
"I think they did everything that they could," Robert Bleakley said of the Coast Guard. "I think they were not to be found."
Close said searchers found a cooler and a life jacket 16 miles southeast of the boat, but no other signs of the men.
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