"This is a bread crumb they threw overboard": Missing firefighter's tackle bag found by boater

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Since two firefighters disappearance on Friday off the coast of Port Canaveral, search crews have covered more than 24,000 miles by boats and planes.

That's the same distance as going to Los Angeles and back to Jacksonville five times.

One of the firefighter's wives says she is now hoping for a miracle after a tackle bag that belongs to her husband was found during the search Monday.

The wife of a local missing firefighter is keeping the faith that Monday will be the day he is brought home.

"Day three is the greatest miracle of all. Our Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected from the grave," said Stephanie McCluney, wife of Brian McCluney.

It has been three days since the two firefighters left Cape Canaveral on a fishing trip.

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Now, more than 100 people have joined in to search for them.

"These people are searching in areas from Brunswick all of the way down to St. Augustine and from the beach out about 60 miles," JFRD Chief Keith Powers said.

A surveillance picture shows McCluney and Justin Walker getting ready to go fishing Friday.

A new picture of a tackle bag is the only sign of them that has surfaced since they disappeared.

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Still, "these guys have the skill to survive for a long time," Chief Powers said.

McCluney works with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department while Walker works at an agency in Virginia.

"We're talking about a decorated combat veteran and we're talking about a firefighting paramedic," Powers said.

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Stephanie posted a picture of an item that belongs to him to Facebook on Monday afternoon.

It reads:"Prayer warriors I have confirmed this is Brian's tackle bag. It was found off the coast of St. Augustine 50 miles out."

She goes on to say, "I wholeheartedly believe this is a bread crumb they through overboard to say 'we are here, come find us'."

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"I just feel so held and so well supported, I am so confident and so hopeful," she said.

The Coast Guard says a boater found the gear bag and crews are now searching the area where it was found.

Powers told Action News Jax that firefighters will be out on the water until they find their missing brother.

While that happens, friends and family members are getting together to pray and support each otherwhile hoping for the best.

Cox Media Group