Ohio men found dead in stolen boat

CONNEAUT, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say a small boat reported stolen from an Ohio yacht club was found on Lake Erie with two men dead on board.

Coroner’s investigator Richard Mongell in northeast Ohio’s Ashtabula County says he suspects they either drowned or died of hypothermia. Autopsies were to be conducted today.

Mongell says the 12-foot sailboat was found offshore around 8:30 a.m. Sunday, about 24 hours after 20-year-old Barry Catron and 33-year-old Steven Bowling were last seen, buying beer.

Authorities say Saturday night’s lake temperature was 38 degrees, and it was windy with waves as high as 10 feet.

The Coast Guard isn’t sure if the men ever went into the water.

The boat had no motor, sail or paddles. Its theft was reported Saturday.