ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Captain Debra Vanskiver and Jason Taylor were in their bed at Salt Creek Marina Saturday night when they saw news reports about a missing 3-year-old boy named Luke Finch.
The news reports said that Finch may have been taken by his 35-year-old father Paul Martikainen.
"We instantly sat up in our bed and our jaws dropped because recognized him as a customer," Vanskiver said.
Martikainen had been keeping his boat at a marina boat slip for the last month. Taylor had helped him work on his boat and described him as a friendly man. Others who had boats at the marina nearby described him similarly.
Police have been searching for Martikainen and his son after the two disappeared during a supervised visit in Cocoa Beach.
Witnesses spotted Martikainen and his son at the marina late this week. Martikainen’s car was found at the marina, but his boat was gone. Vanskiver and Taylor say witnesses saw Martikainen set sail on Thursday.
According to Cocoa Beach Police, Martikainen had painted his 32-foot "Bristol" battleship gray. Police think he may have done so to try to cover any identifying numbers. Gray is also one of the most difficult colors to spot on the water.
Police are also concerned because Martikainen does not have a significant background in sailing. Vanskiver and Taylor echoed that sentiment, specifically concerned about whether he could handle bad weather.
"The boat can (handle bad weather)," Taylor said. "Does he have the knowledge to handle that? Don’t know."
"I pray for the child's safe return and my heart goes out to the family," Vanskiver added.
Finch is described as a white male. He is 2 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 33 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue pants and black and red fire engine sneakers.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Luke Finch is being asked to contact the Cocoa Police Department at 321-639-7620 or 911.
