Coast Guard suspends search for two missing boaters

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 08/22/2019 08:50 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville
Office: 904-714-7606/7607
After Hours: 305-318-1864
PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

Coast Guard suspends search for two missing boaters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Coast Guard suspended its search Thursday for two missing boaters who did not return from a trip near Port Canaveral.

Missing are Brian McCluney and Justin Walker.

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:

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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-USCG-