*The original release contained a misspelling on one reference of the missing man's name, as well as a report of snorkeling gear being found on shore instead of on a piling. Sector North Carolina is also searching west of Bonner Bridge, not just east.
OREGON INLET, N.C. — The Coast Guard is searching for a 38-year-old man Sunday east and west of the Bonner Bridge in Oregon Inlet.
Missing is Kristopher Mueller of Avon.
Mueller was last known to be spear fishing in the vicinity of the Bonner Bridge. Sector North Carolina watchstanders were notified at 5:30 p.m. after Mueller had not been seen for more than an hour.
Mueller's vehicle was found by the National Park Service who continue to investigate. Personnel from Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet discovered the kayak with fish, a life jacket and a cell phone still aboard, as well as snorkeling gear on a piling nearby.
Searching for Mueller are:
- A C-130 Hercules airplane crew and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City
- A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew from Station Oregon Inlet
- The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Beluga, which is homeported in Virginia Beach, Virginia