UPDATE: Coast Guard suspends search for man from downed Conquest Air airplane 13 miles east of Bay Harbor Island

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 02/09/2019 02:04 PM EST

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 786-367-7649
7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard suspends search for man from downed Conquest Air airplane 13 miles east of Bay Harbor Island

MIAMI — The Coast Guard suspended its search Saturday for the second man from the downed Conquest Air airplane approximately 13 miles east of Bay Harbor Island.

The Coast Guard conducted maritime and aerial searches for approximately 21 hours and concentrated in an area of 364 square nautical miles. Numerous other searches were conducted by Miami-Dade Police Department and partner agencies. 

“Suspending a search is never an easy decision and a lot of factors are considered and calculated before we make that decision,” said Capt. Megan Dean, commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami. “We have been in regular contact with the family members throughout our search efforts and extend our sympathies for what we know is a very difficult time for them.”

The Coast Guard began searching after watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector Miami were notified by Miami-Dade Police Department of a possible downed two-engine Cessna aircraft with two people reportedly aboard.

Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered (WPC-1104), Coast Guard Air Station MH-65 Dolphin helicopters, an Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft, Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, Station Fort Lauderdale along with partner agencies, searched an area 13 miles east of Bay Harbor Island, which was the last known position of the aircraft.

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-USCG-