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CHARLERSTON, S.C. - The Coast Guard suspended their search Saturday evening for a downed civilian aircraft approximately 110 miles east of Charleston.
Coast Guard 7th District suspended the search after searching approximately 3,516 square miles for 76 hours.
"It is with a heavy heart that we suspend our search for the missing aircraft and its five passengers," said Capt. John Reed, Commander, Sector Charleston. "I have spoken with the family of those that were on this plane and extend my deepest sympathies to them and all those who have been hit by this tragic loss at sea."
The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) notified Coast Guard 7th Districtwatchstanders Thursday of a civilian aircraft emergency at 11:33 a.m. The Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center received a report from the aircraft of an in-flight emergency, lost contact on radar and notified the AFRCC. The aircraft, a Piper PA-31, was leaving from South Carolina to the Bahamas.
Involved in the search were:
- Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules aircraft
- Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter
- Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton
- Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal
- Navy P-3 Orion
- Commercial vessel Seabulk Challenge
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