Search for missing mariner off Maryland coast underway after boat found unmanned

OCEAN CITY, MD — Coast Guard crews continue searching for a missing boater after a vessel was located off the coast of Maryland with no one on board Thursday.

The extensive search effort, involving numerous Coast Guard air and boat crews from across the Northeast as well as local first responders, began Thursday after watchstanders at Sector Maryland-National Capital Region were notified of a missing person by local law enforcement. 

The missing person, known to frequent fishing areas offshore of Ocean City, is believed to have departed aboard a 25-foot recreational vessel from Sunset Marina, a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard said.

After receiving information regarding a possible location of the vessel, Coast Guard aircrews launched search and rescue assets and located a vessel matching the description of the missing boat. Initial attempts to establish communication were unsuccessful.

In addition to more Coast Guard aircraft and helicopter crews, a rescue swimmer was deployed to investigate the vessel, finding no one aboard the boat.

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The Coast Guard subsequently assumed responsibility as the search and rescue mission coordinator and expanded search efforts using aircraft and surface vessels.

An HC-130J Hercules aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City conducted multiple searches and relocated the vessel on Friday before returning to base.

The Coast Guard Cutter Pompano remains on scene conducting further investigation and gathering information that may assist ongoing search and rescue efforts.

This is a developing story.