Authorities are intensively searching for Stephan Bungartz, a 36-year-old man last seen on his kayak yesterday at 4 p.m. near the Gulfview Drive area in New Port Richey. The Pasco Sheriff's Office has described Bungartz as being 6 feet tall and weighing around 190 pounds with brown eyes and hair. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing an unknown color shirt and navy blue shorts, the Sheriff's Office said according to WFLA News Channel 8.
The joint search effort has expanded to include the U.S. Coast Guard and it has been reported by FOX 13 News that Bungartz was last seen launching his kayak into the water north of Anclote Park. Details surrounding the circumstances of his disappearance are still emerging, but law enforcement agencies are asking anyone with information to urgently come forward to aid in the investigation. The search operation is employing both aerial and marine resources in an attempt to thoroughly cover the area.
The Pasco Sheriff's Office urges the public to assist, asking anyone who may have seen Bungartz or knows of his whereabouts to call their non-emergency line. "Anyone with information on Stephan’s whereabouts is asked to call the Pasco Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 727-8102, option 7, or report a tip online," as reported by WFLA. Further information on the search can be provided by contacting the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg.
Early Tuesday morning, multiple law enforcement units continued the search, with the Pasco County Sheriff's helicopter and the Coast Guard's plane seen above the area where Bungartz was last reported to have been. WTSP 10 Tampa Bay has documented the ongoing efforts and notes the kayak Bungartz was using was teal and green in color. The Pasco Sheriff's Non-Emergency Line can be reached at 727-847-8102, option 7, and tips can also or be reported online at the Sheriff's official website.
