Hillsborough deputies search for missing boater

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Hillsborough County deputies are searching for a man who disappeared while boating with his young son yesterday afternoon.

It was just before 6 p.m. when the sheriff's office was notified of a missing adult on the Alafia River.  William Morris of Riverview had taken his 3-year-old son for a ride on his water scooter and failed to return. 

When the wife called his cell phone, the boy answered the phone.  The child was found on a small island, which is called Island 75 by local residents.  It is a small spoil island located on the Alafia River just west of Interstate 75. 

A citizen saw the child and stayed with him until deputies arrived on scene. 

When deputies searched the island, Morris' watercraft was located on the south side of the island.  It had been pulled up on the bank with an adult life jacket left behind. 

Morris' wallet was also found there. 

The dive team and aviation units are still searching for Morris.