The bodies of two boaters have been recovered in the waters off of Dauphin Island after a shrimping boat went missing late last week.
The two victims of the accident, Sam Wooley, 69, and Michael Slezak, 40, were found approximately 8-9 miles from the island. Slezak’s seven-year-old son is still missing and a search and rescue mission to find the child has been suspended.
“We are deeply saddened and offer our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by this heartbreaking and tragic incident,” said Capt. Robert Tucker, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard Sector Mobile. “Suspending an active search for a missing child is an exceptionally difficult decision and is only made after the most exhaustive efforts have occurred. We thank all the search and rescue crews who worked with determination around the clock with hopes of a different outcome.”
Slezak was a math teacher and baseball coach at Semmes Middle School.
Following the news of his death, the school released a statement praising his lasting impact on students and athletes.
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that the Semmes Middle School family suffered a great loss over the break. Coach Michael Slezak was a beloved teacher and coach who touched so many lives with kindness, wisdom, and dedication. Coach Slezak inspired our students to be better scholars, better athletes, and better individuals. Through every lesson taught, every practice led, and every word of encouragement, he made an impact on our community. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to learn from and be inspired by such an incredible individual.”
“Coach Slezak will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to live on in each of us.”
The vessel with the three individuals onboard, The Marty Ann, departed Billy Goat Hole Dauphin Island on Friday and was last seen shrimping in Pelican Bay.
The Slezak Family has created a GoFundMe account.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
