Missing kayakers ID'd as Moon Lake search continues

Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Pasco Sheriff's Office searching this morning for two men missing on Moon Lake since Sunday afternoon after a kayak they were in capsized. [BRENDAN FITTERER | Times]

NEW PORT RICHEY -- The search continued this morning for two men reported missing Sunday afternoon after falling from a kayak on Moon Lake.

Authorities today identified the men as Jose Munguia, 23, of Tampa, and David Ortiz-Rodriguez, 25, of Ruskin.

Pasco Sheriff's officials do not expect to find the men alive. Neither knew how to swim and did not have life  vests.

"At this point we anticipate it's a recovery effort," said Doug Tobin, Pasco Sheriff's spokesman.

The men were were taking a break from a stucco job they were doing on a home nearby, authorities said. They took the kayak without the owner's permission. The men were were last seen thrashing in the water after the kayak capsized.

Officers from Pasco County Sheriff's office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission searched for the men until night fall Sunday. The search resumed early this morning but officials had yet to recover the bodies.

-- Nicole Hutcheson, Times Staff Writer

Comments

The men were last seen thrashing in the water? What, were people standing around watching? Why did anyone jump in and help them?

[John]

Why not just hang on to the kayak. They usually don't sink and make good life preservers.

[in-tha-no]

There were two (2) laws of common sense broken here:
1. If you can't swim don't go near the water.
2. If you can't swim and you dis-obey law #1, make sure the astronaut that goes with you can swim.

2A. If you forgot that you can't swim, water has a funny way of bringing back your memory. Quick.

[rowdy]

Not the two brightest stars in the sky, but what an unfortunate way to learn.

[John]

Wow.. can't swim, no life vest, taking the kayak without permission? Darwinism seems to prove itself again.

[Moonlake Observer]

As of 10:55 AM, I see (through my Nikon field glasses) about a dozen state vehicles at water's edge and a state boat drifting on the lake in the recovery attempt.

[john]

Dawin Award winners for 2008?

[Andrea]

Watch it will the owner of the kayak fault that they took it and drowned in the first place

[Moonlake Observer]

1151 AM: Channel 10 has a bird in the air circling the lake for a story. About half a dozen vehicles have left (I suppose for a lunch break). Appears, a couple of search and rescue dogs spotted at the lake's edge.

[mike]

stop wasting resources. They'll float up soon enough.

[Joe]

Just keep an eye out for the large group of satisfied looking alligators.

[Amanda]

Wow, interesting way of eliminating yourself from the gene pool. I feel for the families, losing a loved one is difficult and it's no laughing matter. But it's kinda difficult not to laugh about this! Yes, I think this is definitely the 2008 Darwin award winner.

[Cindy]

Not to Laugh about??!! You people are sick and indicative of this ME society and those who only care about themselves!!! You should count your lucky stars it’s not one of your loved ones! Where is the compassion????????????!!!!!!!!!

While going on the water NOT knowing how to swim without life preservers, is not a smart move, I have to wonder how many of you, who find this so amusing, have made “stupid” mistakes that easily could have cost your lives or maybe even the lives of others...ex. DUI... as I am sure many of you have made the "stupid" choice and drove a vehicle when you should have walked!

The only comfort I find in your ignorance is "what goes around... comes around... I just hope there won’t be others to laugh at YOU!

[Moonlake Observer]

Update: 13:38 - Single engine unidentified turboprop has been circling the lake for about an hour now. Still about half a dozen state vehicles at the water's edge. Looks like some haven't returned from their lunch breaks yet.

[Moonlake Observer]

Update: 13:46 - Channel 8 News van seen leaving the area headed towards Moonlake Road via Lantana Avenue.