Coast Guard, others suspend search for missing man in York River, Va.

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/14/2017 09:19 PM EST

united states coast guard 

News Release  

February 14, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712

Coast Guard, others suspend search for missing man in York River, Va.

 

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and other agencies suspended the search Tuesday for a man last seen in Gloucester Point near the Gloucester Point Boat Ramp.

Missing is 58-year-old Michael Ballard of Montpelier, Hanover County, who did not return from his Monday kayaking trip.

Crews from the Coast Guard, Gloucester County Sheriff's Office, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Marine Police completed a 265 square nautical mile search for more than 16 resource hours including six boat and two aircrews.

"Our crews and the crews of our partner agencies searched extensively for Mr. Ballard," said Chief Warrant Officer George Bannon, command duty officer for the case. “One of the most difficult things we must do as Coast Guardsmen is suspend a search. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Ballard’s family.”

For the initial news release, please visit: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/18748b3

 

-USCG-