Vigil held on FMB for missing teen boaters

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FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. – Joining hundreds of others in at least eight different communities along the gulf coast of Florida Friday, a small group of people came together in front of The Lani Kai Island Resort, united by their concern for two 14-year-old boaters who went missing exactly a week ago.

“To do our part on this coast, ’cause we can’t be on the east coast,” said Lorraine Ewing. “I’ve been following it ever since they went missing, and it’s just really killing me, I’ve got kids myself.”

Perry Cohen and Austin Stephanos were last seen Friday, July 24, believed to have gone on a fishing trip off the coast of Jupiter.

Their capsized boat was found two days later, 180 miles north near Daytona Beach. The Coast Guard officially called off its week-long search at sunset Friday.

“I think that that is very upsetting, to know that they they’re giving up hope,” said vigil attendee Nicole Erb.

Holding glow sticks, the group huddled together and prayed, not giving up hope that the boys will be found alive.

“They’re not lost, they’re coming home,” said Ewing.

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