USCG C-130 File Photo
NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard has launched an aircraft, Tuesday, in the search for a mariner who was reported missing while on a sailing trip between Houston and Ocean Springs, Miss.
An HC-130 Hercules aircraft and crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., has deployed to search for Josiah Victor Hoffman, 52, who was reported missing by his wife, Monday.
Watchstanders at the Eighth Coast Guard District command center received an overdue vessel report from Hoffman’s wife at approximately 12:45 p.m., Monday, reporting that her husband did not return to port when expected. Hoffman is overdue from a sailing trip that departed from Houston on Jan. 3, 2011, en route to Ocean Springs.
Hoffman’s sailing vessel is called the Long Last. It is 32-feet long and is white with blue trim.
An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) has been issued for mariners to keep a sharp look out in the area.
Anyone with information about the missing person should call the Coast Guard command center at 504-589-6225.
