Missing NFL players: One Fla. boater rescued

Nation & World News

A missing boater found clinging to an overturned boat was rescued Monday off Florida’s Gulf Coast, but the search continued for two NFL players and another man aboard who didn’t return from a weekend fishing trip.

Nick Schuyler is wheeled into Tampa General after being transported by a helicopter from a rescue at sea in Tampa, Fla., Monday March 2, 2009.

Schuyler (here, with girlfriend Paula Olivera in 2007) was one of four men reported missing March 1, 2009, after a fishing boat did not return as expected near Tampa.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Marquis Cooper (58) signs autographs between practice sessions during 2006 football training camp in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The capsized boat found March 2 belongs to Cooper.

The Coast Guard says former University of South Florida player Schuyler was rescued Monday off the Florida coast. Authorities say Tampa Bay NFL player Marquis Cooper, Detroit Lions free agent Corey Smith and former South Florida player William Bleakley remain missing at sea.

Detroit's Corey Smith, still missing, had 30 tackles, including three sacks, and an interception in 12 games last season.

Survivor Nick Schuyler, a former University of South Florida player, told rescuers that the 21-foot boat was anchored when it flipped Saturday evening in rough seas and that the others - including another former South Florida player, William Bleakley (above) - got separated from the boat, Capt. Timothy M. Close said. Schuyler, who was wearing a life vest, had been clinging to the boat since then.

The father and stepmother of Nick Schuyler, Stuart Schuyler (right) and Jackie, are seen at the Seminole Boat launch March 1, 2009 in Clearwater, Fla.

Cooper's truck remains parked where the quartet left it before sailing. The four left Clearwater Pass early Saturday in calm weather, but heavy winds picked up through the day and the seas got heavy, with waves of 7 feet and higher, peaking at 15 feet on Sunday. A relative alerted the Coast Guard early Sunday after the men did not return as expected.

Dan Grossi (left) who works for the NFL's security division, listens as Coast Guard Capt. Timothy M. Close speaks to the media about the search for the missing boat March 1, 2009.

Schuyler is pulled up to a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in a basket.

Ray Sanchez, cousin of NFL football player Marquis Cooper, talks on a cell phone, as the search continues.

This photo released by the U.S. Coast Guard, shows Schuyler clinging to the engine of the overturned boat.

The Coast Guard approaches for the rescue.

U.S. Coast Guard Captain Timothy Close, center, briefs the media about the rescue and continuing search.

1/14

Nick Schuyler is wheeled into Tampa General after being transported by a helicopter from a rescue at sea in Tampa, Fla., Monday March 2, 2009.

Today's Gallery Headlines

NBA first round playoff game 3 between New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks

PHOTOS: Hawks beat the Knicks in Game 3

24m ago

PHOTOS: Two Georgia wildfires destroy homes, ravage thousands of acres

University of Georgia vs Georgia Tech in an NCAA baseball game at Truist Park

PHOTOS: Georgia Tech beats Georgia in top-5 baseball matchup

Sweetwater 420 finds sweet (or sour?) spot at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park

Alerts

PHOTOS: Hawks beat the Knicks in Game 3

PHOTOS: Two Georgia wildfires destroy homes, ravage thousands of acres

PHOTOS: Georgia Tech beats Georgia in top-5 baseball matchup

PHOTOS: SweetWater 420 Festival finds sweet spot at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park