Press release, 24 April 2016, 11:00 local time

A capsized boat was discovered and lifted onboard the vessel Edda Fjord on March 18, 2016. The boat was found approximately 100 miles off the coast of Bermuda.

Through collaboration with the U.S Coast Guard and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) it was established that the boat, an 18`SeaCraft centre console, belonged to teenager Austin Stephanos, who along with his friend Perry Cohen, went missing on July 24, 2015.

“I am proud of the crew for doing everything correct according to their maritime duty by investigating the floating object. Not only did they remove a hazard to other vessels, but in this case they also found something of great value to these teenagers’ families. Our heart goes out to the families and we hope they find some closure in these findings,” says Johan Rokstad, CEO of Edda Accommodation.

The FWC, U. S. Coast Guard and the families are working with Edda Accommodation, Ltd., to arrange for the return of the boat and the personal effects that were aboard. Edda Accommodation, Ltd. In cooperation with Østensjø Rederi will cover the transportation cost, hoping that the items will give the families closure.

For more information, please contact: 

Law Enforcement Division
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Phone:  FL 32399 850-617-9666
Web: http://www.myfwc.com/