BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a woman missing near St. Andrews Sound, Wednesday, at approximately 9 p.m., pending any new developments.
Coast Guard crews have searched for Laura Hutchins, 61 and her husband, Raymond Hutchins, 59, since Monday morning, covering nearly 1,002 square nautical miles over a period of approximately 60 hours.
"One of the most difficult decisions I make as a captain is the decision to suspend a search-and-rescue case. I take it very seriously," said Capt. Gary Tomasulo, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Charleston. "It’s never easy to see a case end in suspension and that’s why we’re dedicated to standing by the Hutchins family in this difficult time. Our search wouldn’t have been as thorough if it weren’t for the incredible level of support brought by our local partners. I thank them for their efforts."
The Hutchins’ son reported the couple missing to watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Brunswick at approximately 9:20 a.m., on Monday, saying that the couple hadn't returned from a boating trip. The couple had departed a dock in Harriet's Bluff at 11 a.m., Sunday.
The Coast Guard launched crews aboard a 29-foot Response Boat — Small from Station Brunswick and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Savannah to assist in the search. A boat crew with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources located the Hutchins’ 21-foot vessel unmanned with the engine running and their and dog still aboard. Raymond Hutchins was found deceased Tuesday morning by a boat crew with Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The Coast Guard searched in coordination with Georgia DNR, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Camden County Sheriffs Office.
For breaking news follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast.