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Press Release | April 7, 2024

Coast Guard searching for missing boater off North Carolina coast

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard continues search efforts for a missing boater Sunday between Blackjack and Steeples, North Carolina.

Missing is Jeffrey Kale, 47, from Clover, South Carolina, last seen around 4 p.m. Saturday, aboard a white 32-foot Cape Horn center-console boat departing the Southport Wildlife Boat Ramp.

Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders received a notification from Kale’s family stating he was overdue from a fishing trip around 10:30 p.m.

Rescue crews searching:

  • Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules airplane
  • Coastal patrol boat USCGC Steelhead (WPB 87324)
  • Coast Guard Station Oak Island 29-foot Response Boat-Small

If anyone has information contact Sector North Carolina command center at 910-343-3880.

search and rescue Missing boater North Carolina Oak Island

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