U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Air Station Clearwater.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Coast Guard suspended its search Thursday for two missing boaters who did not return from a trip near Port Canaveral.
After searching more than 146,368 square miles, an area equivalent to the size of Montana for over 281 hours, officials were unable to locate the boaters who were reported overdue Friday evening.
“Our Coast Guard men and women worked tirelessly alongside federal, state, and local partner agencies as well as countless volunteers searching for Brian and Justin,” said Capt. Mark Vlaun, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. “Despite those efforts, we have been unable to locate any signs of the vessel or the missing boaters. Suspending a search is never an easy decision, and a lot of factors are considered and calculated before we make that decision. We have been in regular contact with the family members throughout our search and extend our heartfelt condolences for what we know is a very difficult time for them.”
Involved in the search were:
- Coast Guard Sector Charleston
- Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater
- Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
- Coast Guard Air Station Savannah
- Coast Guard Air Station Miami
- Coast Guard Cutter Confidence
- Coast Guard Cutter William Flores
- Coast Guard Cutter Ridley
- Coast Guard Cutter Moray
- Coast Guard Cutter Cormorant
- Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral
- Coast Guard Station Ponce De Leon
- Coast Guard Station Mayport
- Coast Guard Station Brunswick
- Coast Guard Station Georgetown
- Coast Guard Auxiliary
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- U.S. Marshall Service
- Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department
- Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
- St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
- Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
- St. Augustine Fire and Rescue
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Civil Air Patrol
The Coast Guard will continue to have a presence in the area, but active searches will conclude at sunset.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville Command Center watchstanders at 904-714-7558.
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According to the Coast Guard, Diaz said the Engrova and Ibanez stayed with the capsized boat while he swam for help.