Coast Guard Cutter Sitkinak file photo
NEW YORK – The Coast Guard suspended their search at approximately 12:30 p.m., Sunday for a missing boater near Glen Cove, N.Y.
The missing boater is Ralph Fletcher.
Coast Guard assets searched 225 square nautical miles for approximately 24 hours for Mr. Fletcher.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New York Command Center were notified by the Sands Point Police Department at approximately 7:30 p.m., Saturday, of a grounded 21-foot vessel with a number of personal items aboard including the owner’s cell phone, wallet, and keys as well as a dog aboard the boat.
Assets involved in the search include:
- Coast Guard Station Eatons Neck
- Coast Guard Station Kings Point
- Coast Guard Cutter Sitkinak
- Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod
- Glen Cove Police Department
- Greenwich Connecticut Police Department
- Nassau County Police Department Marine and Aviation
- New Rochelle Police Department
- New York Fire Department
- Oyster Bay Police Department
- Port Washington Police Department
- Sands Point Police Department
- West Chester Police Department
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Fletcher in this difficult time,” said Captain Michael Day, commander, Coast Guard Sector New York Command Center. “Suspending a search is never an easy call to make and was made with deep consideration in this tragic case.”
The Coast Guard urges all boaters to file a float plan with family or friends prior to going out on the water
A float plan, similar to a life jacket, is a life-saving device on paper, which can make a difference in rescue and response time in the event of an emergency.
Nassau County Police Department is designated as the lead agency.
