Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’a Office in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), were involved in locating a missing paddleboarder in Dunedin.
According to deputies, 49-year-old Ziad Abdeen was reported missing to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, February 23, 2024, as family members were concerned about his non-return from a paddleboarding trip. Abdeen’s family initiated searches at various Pinellas County locations where he typically launches his paddleboard. They discovered his vehicle in the parking lot of Dunedin Boat Club at 49 Marina Plaza in Dunedin.
Deputies arrived at the boat club around 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, and initiated a search. Investigation findings revealed Abdeen’s vehicle entering the parking lot at approximately 12:45 p.m. on February 23, 2024. His paddleboard was located beneath a dock at 2685 St. Joseph’s Drive in Dunedin.
According to the US Coast Guard, it was reported by a co-worker that he was stranded on an island and was going to try to make it back at 1:30 p.m. This was the last communication anyone received. It was reported from 911 dispatch at approximately 3 p.m., the paddleboard washed ashore.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies assigned to the Dive Unit and Marine Unit have located the body of 49-year-old Ziad Abdeen. He was recovered north of the Dunedin Marina in the intracoastal waterway.
Next of kin has been notified and the Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
The investigation continues.
Abdeen is listed as a physician affiliated with Regional Hospital at Bayonet Point.
The sea state on Friday was 10-15 knot winds and 1-2 foot seas with a reported rip current warning for the Dunedin area. Saturday, there were 10 knot winds with 1 foot seas.
The investigation remains ongoing.