An Atlantic Beach construction company president, who disappeared Sunday on a solo outing aboard his 27-foot Sea Witch, was planning to repair an antenna on the cabin of the boat, he said in a final text to shore.

Peter Rodrigues, 57, a former Navy SEAL and a construction contractor in the midst of converting a 56-year-old marina and golf course into the Atlantic Beach Country Club, remained missing Monday.

His boat came ashore empty about

6 p.m. Sunday at Hanna Park. Rodrigues left Palm Cove Marina about 10 a.m. that morning and traveled at least 10 miles offshore, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Shortly after 1 p.m. Rodrigues texted his girlfriend, saying the water was somewhat choppy and he was having trouble with his antenna. The mount was loose, he reported minutes later.

"I rig it," he texted at 1:15 p.m., according to a police report.

That was the last contact Rodrigues had with his girlfriend.

Rodrigues is president of RPC General Contractors of Atlantic Beach, a construction company that is part of the redevelopment of the Selva Marina Country Club, where he has been a member, into the new club.

Bill Gibbes, a friend of Rodrigues and fellow golfer, described him as an experienced boater.

"A very capable, type-A, self-driven type of individual," Gibbes said when asked to describe his friend.

Rodrigues would be very comfortable on the water, Gibbes said. "It's a mystery," he said. "Hopefully he is out there and they will be able to find him."

Searchers with the Coast Guard remained on the water through the night Sunday in an 87-foot cutter, and at first light Monday redeployed a smaller boat and helicopter, said Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Lehmann.

The Sea Witch traveled about 10 miles east after exiting the St. Johns River where Rodrigues planned to perhaps do a little fishing and then return about noon in time to watch the remainder of the Jaguars game, according to a float plan.

The empty fishing boat washed ashore with its engines running. There was nothing on board apart from personal items. There were no obvious signs of foul play, police said.

Rodrigues's sport utility vehicle was at the marina.

Family members who gathered at the park Sunday declined comment.

Times-Union writer Teresa Stepzinski contributed to this report.

Dana Treen (904) 359-4091