ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. – The Coast Guard suspended its search at 8:34 p.m. Saturday for Michael Dodick, a boater missing since Thursday.
In the past three days, Coast Guard search and rescue crews searched 13,413 square miles, an area roughly equivalent to the size of Maryland.
Aircrews from Air Station Elizabeth City flew 21 search patterns aboard HC-130J airplanes and MH-60J helicopters. Coast Guard cutters Elm, Block Island and Staten Island, as well as small boats from stations Fort Macon and Emerald Isle conducted 11 search patterns. A Pedro helicopter crew from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point also supported the search effort by completing two search patterns.
“The decision to suspend was made after an exhaustive effort was expended by numerous Coast Guard units from Air Station Elizabeth City to Station Emerald Isle,” said Captain June Ryan, Commander of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Michael Dodick during this very difficult time.”
