ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- With pictures of her missing 3-year-old son Luke in front of her, Christa Finch made an emotional plea for his safe return Monday afternoon.
"Please just bring Lukey home," Finch pleaded, overcome by tears. "He misses his Mommy."
Luke disappeared Saturday during a supervised visit with his father, Paul Martikainen. The father and son were last seen at the Salt Creek Marina in St. Petersburg.
Authorities found Martikainen's green Ford Explorer at the marina, but his boat was missing. The boat is a 1977 Bristol.
Law enforcement believes Martikainen may have taken Luke on the boat and set sail. People at the marina have questioned whether Martikainen is experienced enough as a sailor to handle bad weather on the water.
"If you could, please just help us to find my Lukey and help bring him home," Finch said.
The United States Coast Guard is trying to make that happen. They utilized five different aircraft to search the water for Martikainen's boat Monday. They had their search-and-rescue crews who patrol the water look for the boat too.
Additionally, they put out messages on VHF radio to boaters to watch for the boat and told local marinas to do the same.
As of Monday night, though, no one had seen the boat.
If you have seen the Martikainen, Luke or the boat, call police.
