Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter file photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class John Michelli
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard concluded its search Tuesday for two men near Winyah Bay.
After searching more than 1,603 square miles for over 77 hours, officials were able to locate both of the men. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recovered the bodies of Kinsley Johnson and Marquis Mickel.
“This is a tragic outcome and we are deeply saddened for the families who have lost two young men,” said Capt. John D. Cole, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the loved ones of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Mickel. Thank you to all of our first responders for their tireless effort and hard work over the past few days.”
Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center watchstanders received the initial call by family members at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, reporting the two men were only going out for a few hours and departed from Carol Ashmore Campbell Marina in Georgetown. They were last seen aboard a green 8-foot jon boat in the vicinity of Sampit River.
Involved in the search were:
- Coast Guard Air Station Savannah
- Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston
- Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater
- Coast Guard Station Georgetown
- Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon
- Coast Guard Cutter Angela McShan
- Coast Guard Auxilary Air
- Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office
- Georgetown County Marine Rescue Squadron
- Georgetown County Fire Rescue
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
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