Update as of 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2024

PINELLAS COUNTY – Deputies assigned to the Dive Unit and Marine Unit have located the body of 49-year-old Ziad Abdeen. He was recovered north of the Dunedin Marina in the intracoastal waterway.

Next of kin has been notified and he has been removed from NCIC/FCIC as a missing adult. The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

The investigation continues.

***END OF UPDATE***

Original News Release:

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Patrol Operations Bureau
-Dive Team
-Marine Unit
-Flight Unit

United States Coast Guard

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Ziad Abdeen (Missing)
DOB: 06/15/1974
Address: 11709 Glen Wessex Court, Tampa

PINELLAS COUNTY – Deputies, in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are working to locate a missing paddleboarder in Dunedin.

According to deputies, 49-year-old Ziad Abdeen was reported missing to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, February 23, 2024, after family members became concerned that he did not return from a paddleboarding trip. Abdeen’s family began searching various locations in Pinellas County that he is known to launch his paddleboard from. They found his vehicle in the parking lot of the Dunedin Boat Club, located at 49 Marina Plaza in Dunedin.

Deputies responded to the boat club at approximately 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, and began a search. Throughout the investigation, deputies learned that Abdeen’s vehicle entered the parking lot at approximately 12:45 p.m. on February 23, 2024. Abdeen’s paddleboard was found under a dock at 2685 St. Joseph’s Drive in Dunedin. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, Dive Team and Flight Unit searched for Abdeen, with the assistance of the United States Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The primary search has been suspended by the Coast Guard and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will resume efforts tomorrow.

The investigation continues.