Coast Guard suspends search for missing boater near Blythe Island

Crews have suspended their search for a missing 63-year-old boater near Blythe Island.

Charles Johnson left for a fishing trip on the South Brunswick River on Friday.

U.S. Coast Guard and Georgia Department of Natural Resources began searching for him on Saturday afternoon when his wife reported him missing.

His 14-foot boat was found off the island but crews were unable to find him.

They searched more than 686 square nautical miles for more than 50 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."

Cox Media Group