BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a man missing near Blythe Island Regional Park, Monday, at approximately 8:28 p.m., pending any new developments.
Coast Guard crews have searched for Charles Johnson, 63, since Saturday morning, covering nearly 686 square nautical miles over a period of approximately 53.5 hours.
“Suspending a search-and-rescue effort is a decision that I never take lightly,” said Capt. Gary Tomasulo, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “As the search comes to a close, we shift our focus to standing by the family and supporting them at this time. I’d also like to extend my appreciation to the local and state agencies for their dedication to the search and embodying the meaning of teamwork.”
Johnson’s wife notified watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Charleston of the situation at 3 p.m., Saturday, reporting that he hadn’t returned from a fishing trip he had planned off Brunswick on Friday.
The Coast Guard launched crews aboard a 29-foot Response Boat — Small from Coast Guard Station Brunswick and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah to assist in the search. The aircrew aboard the helicopter located Johnson’s 14-foot vessel unmanned near Blythe Island Regional Park.
The Coast Guard searched in coordination with Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
