Hermann Samitsch, 78, was last seen December 6, 2017, departing Boot Key Harbor in Marathon, Florida, on a solo trip to visit family in Panama. He left aboard a 39-foot 1972 Pearson sailboat that reportedly had a malfunctioning engine and only minimal navigation equipment. He intended to arrive by Christmas but never reached his destination and made no further contact.

Samitsch’s family reported him missing to authorities in Panama after he failed to arrive. Despite search efforts there has been no trace of him or the vessel and he is presumed lost at sea. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and the case remains unresolved.

Did anyone in the Marathon or Panama boating community see Samitsch’s Pearson after December 6, 2017?