Michael Costello was a 29-year-old commercial fisherman who went missing on February 27, 2005, while captaining the vessel GulfCoaster in the Gulf of Mexico. He was last seen about 73 miles offshore from John’s Pass, Madeira Beach, Florida, with crew member John Molina. The two men were expected back that day but did not make contact.

A U.S. Coast Guard search began on February 28. On March 2, 2005, debris from the GulfCoaster was found and Molina’s body was recovered. Despite an extensive search, Michael Costello’s body was never located and he is presumed to have perished; the mishap at sea remains unexplained and his case is listed as lost or injured at sea.

Anyone who was on or near the water that day or who has information about the GulfCoaster is asked to contact the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.