GEORGETOWN, S.C. – The Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing boater near Winyah Bay, S.C., at 7 Sunday evening.
Julias Nesbit, 58, departed alone from Ballpark Boat Landing in Georgetown in a 14-foot boat at approximately 3:30 Saturday morning. Nesbit was reported missing after not returning Saturday at noon as planned.
A helicopter from Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston, S.C., found Nesbit’s empty 14-foot boat beached on Hare Island, S.C., at approximately 10:30 Saturday night. The Coast Guard, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Georgetown County Sheriff’s office, and Winyah Bay Rescue continued to search 250-square miles with boats and aircraft for more than 50 combined hours throughout Saturday night and Sunday until dusk.
“Our only hope in cases like this is that others are able to realize the dangers that are inherent in the maritime environment,” said Chief Petty Officer Robert Stebe, a rescue coordinator in Georgetown. “As the water and air temperatures decrease, mariners must be prepared for a variety of elements.”
