CHARLESTON, S.C. – Coast Guard Sector Charleston suspended its search for two missing boaters Wednesday after their catamaran was found overturned off Brunswick’s coast.
The Coast Guard said the missing men, David Wickenden, 54, and Charles Andrade, 60, had left from Connecticut and were heading to St. Augustine.
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A mariner on the vessel “Salty Intentions” reported seeing a capsized 50-foot catamaran to Coast Guard watchstanders approximately 65 miles east of Brunswick, Georgia on Sunday.
#SAR: The @USCG suspended the search for 2 missing boaters 65 miles east of Brunswick, Georgia, Wednesday. Missing are 54-year-old David Wickenden and 60-year-old Charles Andrade, who went missing Sunday, from their capsized catamaran.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) November 27, 2024
Press release: https://t.co/lxtougNxJJ
Rescue crews searched by air and sea for approximately 77.45 hours and more than 9,140 square miles, approximately the size of Vermont, according to the Coast Guard.
“The decision to suspend a search is always difficult to make and never done lightly,” said Cmdr. Jason Erickson, Coast Guard Sector Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator. “When we send our rescue crews out, it is with great hope we can bring people home safely, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing boaters during this incredibly difficult time.”
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