SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct one more massive search effort for Dr. Jim Gray before considering case suspension this evening.
Based on excellent search conditions, unit availability, and no indications of Dr. Gray’s vessel within previously searched areas, the Coast Guard has decided to search an expanded area today. The expanded search area will be out to 300 miles west of the California Coast and as far south as the Channel Islands. Probability calculations do not place the ‘Tenacious’ within these expanded areas; however, the areas are being searched based on the possibility that he could have sailed farther than originally planned.
The Coast Guard will use numerous search and rescue units from all along the California Coast in today’s extended search effort. Units will include two C-130 fixed wing aircraft from Air Station Sacramento; HH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Humboldt Bay, Air Station San Francisco, and Air Station Los Angeles Long Beach; three 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boats from Monterey, Bodega Bay, and Crescent City; 47-foot motor life boats from Stations Noyo River, Bodega Bay, Golden Gate, and Monterey.
If no leads develop during todays searches, the Coast Guard plans to suspend the case this evening.
Source: USCG D11 Public Affairs
Technorati Tags: Coast Guard, USCG, search, Jim Gray, Tenacious, HH-65, Dolphin, C-130, D11
