September 21, 2015 — U.S. authorities are investigating the disappearance of an American marine biologist who went missing at sea while serving as a monitor on a fishing boat off the coast of Peru.
Keith Davis, 41, was aboard the Panamanian flagged Victoria No. 168 to collect data and ensure the crew was adhering to international fishing guidelines. He was reported missing Sept. 10 when the boat was about 500 miles offshore.
Detectives from the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and FBI agents were waiting for the Victoria when it docked in Vacamonte, Panama on Sunday evening, said Michael Berkow, director of the investigative service.
Berkow said the U.S. investigators are assisting with the probe at the request of Panamanian officials.
He said there is very little preliminary information surrounding the circumstances of Davis’ disappearance.
“He’s just gone,” Berkow said.
Friends, family and co-workers described Davis as a big-hearted, upbeat adventurer who was passionate about the ocean and conservation. They said he was also a seasoned sailor who, over nearly two decades as an observer, spent time on boats under all conditions in oceans around the world.
They have expressed skepticism that he was the victim of an accident and have been pressing for an investigation since learning of his disappearance.