Coast Guard suspends search for 2 missing boaters off Brunswick coast

CHARLESTON, South Carolina – Coast Guard Charleston Sector suspended its search for two missing boaters on Wednesday after their catamaran was found overturned off the coast of Brunswick.

The Coast Guard said the missing men, David Wickenden, 54, and Charles Andrade, 60, had left Connecticut and were headed to St. Augustine.

A sailor from the ship “Salty Intentions” reported seeing a capsized 50-foot catamaran to Coast Guard observers about 65 miles east of Brunswick, Georgia, on Sunday.

Rescue teams conducted air and sea searches for approximately 77.45 hours and over 9,140 square miles, approximately the size of Vermont, according to the Coast Guard.

“The decision to suspend a search is always difficult to make and is never taken lightly,” said Cmdr. Jason Erickson, Coast Guard Sector Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator. “When we send out our rescue crews, it is with great hope that we can get people home safely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing boaters during this incredibly difficult time.”

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