WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard suspended its search Tuesday for a 53-year-old man in the Pamlico River.
Missing is Michael Hopkins of Belhaven.
Watchstanders at Sector North Carolina in Wilmington received notification from a good Samaritan at approximately 2:20 p.m. Monday reporting Hopkins' unmanned 23-foot pleasure craft adrift near Hickory Point at the entrance to South Creek, with a dog and live crabs aboard.
The search for Hopkins included two Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews from Air Station Elizabeth City and two Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crews from Station Hobucken. Coast Guard crews searched for a total of about 17 hours and covered approximately 647 miles.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission crews, North Carolina Marine Patrol crews, Bath and Bunyan Fire Dept. crews and good Samaritans also participated in the search.
“Deciding to suspend a search is one of the most difficult things we must do as Coast Guardsmen,” said Capt. Sean Murtagh, Sector North Carolina commander. “Careful consideration is given to many factors before suspending any search. Pending further developments, we’ve decided to suspend the active search for Michael Hopkins. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
For breaking news, follow the Fifth District on Twitter @USCGMidAtlantic