Dive boat stolen from FDOT subcontractor

UPDATED August 3, 2023: Thanks to information received by BPD detectives, a boat owned by FDOT subcontractor Oceanik, Inc. was recovered overnight in Palmetto, minus its gas tanks. This case remains under investigation. Per FDOT, the temporary northbound lane closure across the Green Bridge, canceled on Wednesday due to the boat theft, has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Friday, August 4, at 8 a.m.

August 2, 2023

Case #:2023-006645

The Bradenton Police Department is investigating the theft of a dive boat and approximately $60,000 in equipment belonging to a Florida Department of Transportation subcontractor. The equipment, which belongs to Oceanik, Inc., was to have been used for routine updates to the Green Bridge.

The 22-foot-long SeaArk aluminum boat was secured near the Bradenton day dock adjacent to the Riverwalk overnight. The theft was reported at approximately 6:30 a.m. FDOT planned to close one northbound lane of the Green Bridge for the repairs beginning at 7 a.m.

This is an active investigation. If you have information on this case, please call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300.

To remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000, call Crime Stoppers (toll-free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip at manateecrimestoppers.com.

Photo of the boat provided by the owner. This photo has been edited by BPD to remove employees of the subcontractor, who are not suspects.