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3 NFL players lost at sea


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http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/st...kSanyO4BZA.cspx

CLEARWATER, FL -- The Coast Guard is searching for a missing fishing boat about 50 miles off-shore in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to Coast Guard officials, the 21-foot fishing boat left from a boat ramp in Clearwater Pass Saturday about 6:30 am with 4 people on board.

A dispatcher told ABC Action News 3 of them are NFL players. One of the plays for the Detroit Lions, and one plays for the Oakland Raiders, the dispatcher said.

The boaters were supposed to return sometime after dark but never did, officials said. A friend called the Coast Guard at about 1:30 am and reported them missing.

Officials say the waters in the gulf are extremely choppy and they believe the boat is in distress.

Air and marine crews from the Sand Key and Clearwater Coast Guard stations are searching a 750 square mile area west of Clearwater Pass.

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http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

SOURCE: SEARCH CALLED OFF FOR MISSING BOAT

Posted by Mike Florio on March 1, 2009, 10:58 p.m.

A source with knowledge of the tragic situation that has unfolded over the past two days in Florida tells us that the authorities have called off the search for a 21-foot fishing boat carrying two NFL players.

We’re told that the boat left from Seminole, not Clearwater, and followed the Intercoastal Waterway.

A search for debris was conducted from Sand Key, which is south of Clearwater, all the way to Anclote in Pasco County.

As it was explained to us, unless the men made it onto another vessel or managed to navigate 13-foot waves in that 21-foot boat, it’s not looking good.

So at a time when we’re down in the dumps to cap a weekend of technical troubles, our measly challenges are in sharp perspective. Say a prayer for Raiders linebacker Marquise Cooper, Lions defensive end Corey Smith, Nick Skyler, and William Bleakley, and for each of their families.

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Prayers go out for them and their families... Sad.

I still remember how you lost your brother in a boating accident Mark. This probably hits too close to home for you.

Say a prayer for Raiders linebacker Marquise Cooper, Lions defensive end Corey Smith, Nick Skyler, and William Bleakley, and for each of their families.

Done.

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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate...;entry_id=36492

Cooper update: Search almost over

The U.S. Coast Guard will suspend its search-and-rescue efforts for Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper and two others at sunset today (6:30 p.m. Eastern time), a Coast Guard official just said at a press conference in the Tampa area.

The search crew found a life vest and cooler in the area near where Cooper's 21-foot boat was found capsized Monday. So far, former South Florida football player Nick Schuyler -- who was found clinging to the boat -- is the lone survivor. Once the search ends, Cooper, Corey Smith and William Bleakley will be presumed dead.

Officials informed family members they will suspend the search efforts, which started early Sunday morning when the four men did not retrun from a Saturday fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Any search and rescue case where we have to stop is disappointing." Captain Timothy M. Close said. "The families were fairly upset. They're just upset with the whole circumstance. I think the family understood we put in a tremendous effort."

Coast Guard officials said hypothermia becomes a concern after 18 hours in 64-degree water. The men have been in the water for more than 60 hours now.

As to why the search is being closed, Close said, "It has to do with our confidence level that we would found anybody on the surface level at this point.

The press conference is still going on, I will follow up soon.

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They all kept getting knocked off the boat from the waves and had to swim back. The ingested a lot of sea water(Prob became dissoreinted). At one point either Marquis Cooper, or Corey Smith volintarly removed their life vest and floated away. THe other did the same a few hours later, after all hope had been lost. Then at another point, the Bleakly guy said he saw a light in the distance, and tried to swim to it for help. All three of those guys were never seen again. Sad. I feel troubled for This Schulyer guy. I think he feels a lot of guilt, and this will affect him for many years. His doctor said it was a miracle he survived.

RIP Corey Smith, Marquis Cooper, and William Bleakley.

Respect the Ocean. It's a powerful, unpredictable beast.

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Respect the Ocean. It's a powerful, unpredictable beast.

I spent several years at sea while in the Marines. The statement above is absolutely true.

sick ppl to make jokes about things like this.

It's truly not a joking matter.

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Do you guys know how horrible it is supposed to be to die by drowning ? yet your making freaking jokes about it....

Seriously show some respect.......

To tell you the truth i heard drowning is the most peaceful way to go.

Sucks about them though if they didn't make it. Perfect Storm type ish.

Lets all just hope they're playing football for the lost city of Atlantis. I'd rather see them doing that then "never being found".

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Drowning is only "peaceful" is you are unconscious in the water. If you are aware of what's going on, it's widely considered the most painful, long winded way to die.

I'm pretty sure anyway to die is peaceful if your unconscious.

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