Update: Coast Guard suspends search for small overdue aircraft 

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/20/2019 05:31 PM EDT

united states coast guard

 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs
Office: (504) 671-2020
After Hours: (618) 225-9008
Eighth District online newsroom

Update: Coast Guard suspends search for small overdue aircraft 

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard suspended its search for a small private aircraft and pilot in the Gulf of Mexico, Sunday.

Coast Guard crews searched over 6,265 square-nautical miles for approximately 21 hours but were unable to find the aircraft or pilot.

Involved in the search were:

  • Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144 Ocean Sentry air crew
  • Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi HC-144 Ocean Sentry air crew
  • Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater Lockheed HC-130 air crew
  • Secretaria de Marina 267 foot Offshore Patrol Vessel ARM VERACRUZ

"After the utmost consideration and review of all factors involved in this search and rescue case, the Coast Guard has made the difficult decision to suspend its active search efforts,” said Cmdr. Drew Casey, search and rescue mission coordinator from the Eighth Coast Guard District. “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Steven Schumacher.”

Correction: The search area was corrected to 6,265 square nautical miles, and Dr. Schumacher's title was corrected.

-USCG-