NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing boater near Pensacola, Florida, Thursday.
The search for James Bradley Gunther, 62, was suspended at 12:10 p.m. after two days of searching 1,173 square miles.
Gunther, who was sailing from Gulf Shores, Alabama, to Port St. Joe, Florida, was reported missing by his family to Coast Guard Sector Mobile at about 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, after failing to make contact since Saturday.
Gunther's 48-foot sailing vessel, named Reliant, was found anchored near Ft. McRee, Florida, but there was no one aboard. The small white dinghy, normally with the sailing vessel, has also not been located.
"Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of Mr. Gunther during this difficult time,” said Capt. Joseph Snowden, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Mobile. “We would also like to extend a special thanks to the various agencies and volunteers for their support in the search effort.”
The Coast Guard searched with surface and air assets, along with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, National Park Service, and Escambia County Sherriff's Office.
The search is suspended pending further information.