JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Coast Guard announced Monday night that it had suspended the search for a man who disappeared after falling overboard near Blount Island on Sunday.
The Tugboat Pop notified Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville around 3 a.m. Sunday that the 42-year-old man fell into the water while moving from the vessel to a barge.
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The commercial tugboat worker was not wearing a life jacket and did not resurface, according to the Coast Guard.
A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Savannah and a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew from Station Mayport were involved in the search.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, as well as dive units, also assisted.
“The loss of a fellow professional mariner is especially difficult and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and co-workers,” said Capt. Mark Vlaun, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. “We ask that all mariners keep a sharp lookout while transiting the waterways near Blount Island and to call our command center at 904-714-7555 with any reports of new information.”