Coast Guard suspends search for missing fishermen off Brunswick

The Coast Guard and partner agencies rescue crews conducted the search for 3 missing fishermen aboard a overdue 31-foot fishing vessel Carol Ann off Brunswick, Georgia, from Oct. 20, 2023, to Oct. 26, 2023.
The Coast Guard initiated a search after Sector Charleston watchstanders received a report from the owner of the Carol Ann stating the vessel failed to return as scheduled.
U.S. Coast Guard graphic.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard suspends search for three missing fishermen aboard an overdue 31-foot vessel offshore Brunswick, Georgia, pending new information.

Crews searched more than 94,000 square miles, an area larger in size than the states of Georgia and South Carolina combined, over the span of seven days.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston watchstanders received a report from the owner of the fishing vessel Carol Anne stating he hired a crew of three people that failed to return on Wednesday, Oct. 18, as scheduled. The crew left on Saturday, Oct. 14, from Brunswick, Georgia, to fish approximately 80 nautical miles offshore and last communicated with the owner of the vessel as they headed offshore.

«Despite the unwavering dedication of our crews, regrettably, we have not been able to uncover any traces of the vessel and have made the difficult decision to suspend the search for three beloved family members,” said Capt. Frank DelRosso, commander, Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partner agencies and the countless volunteers who have lent their assistance in this arduous search. Undoubtedly, they, like us, share in the deep sympathy we hold for the families of the missing individuals.»