CHARLESTON, S.C. – Coast Guard Sector Charleston suspended its search for two missing mariners, Wednesday, pending new information.
Missing are David Wickenden, 54, and Charles Andrade, 60. 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. Rescue crews searched by air and sea for approximately 77.45 hours and more than 9,140 square miles, approximately the size of Vermont.
“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.”
Rescue crews involved in the search:
- Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 airplane
- Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter
- Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-27 airplane
- Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter
- Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 airplane
- Coast Guard Cutter Coho
- Coast Guard Cutter Kingfisher
- Savannah Police Department Underwater Seach and Rescue Team
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