COAST GUARD SUSPENDS SEARCH FOR MISSING FISHERMEN

COAST GUARD SUSPENDS SEARCH FOR MISSING EASTERN SHORE FISHERMEN

The Coast Guard is suspending the search for two fishermen tonight following a more than 24-hour search.

The two fishermen, Charles Driver and Cameron Deuso, left Oyster in Driver’s john boat around noon Sunday for a fishing trip near Wreck Island and never returned. Driver’s girlfriend reported the men missing Monday at around 3 p.m.

Coast Guard and Virginia Marine Resource Commission rescue crews searched nearly 4,000 square miles before the search was called off at about 7 p.m. today.

Rescue crews found the boat and several pieces of debris from the boat during the search including two lifejackets, a cooler, and a shoe that apparently belonged to one of the men.

Coast Guard and VMRC rescue crews had favorable weather conditions during the search with 2-4 foot seas, good visibility on the water, and 51-degree water temperature.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Driver and Deuso familys during this difficult time,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rich Condit, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Group Hampton Roads and director of search assets for this case. “They should know that we have done everything in our power to try and find their loved ones.”

Coast Guard rescue boats from Stations Cape Charles and Wachapreague and a Coast Guard rescue helicopter and a rescue plane from Air Station Elizabeth City were all involved in the search. VMRC used two of its small boats and a small airplane to assist in the search.

The Coast Guard encourages boaters to file a float plan with family members or the marina they sail from before leaving the dock. The float plan should include the time a boater intends to get under way, the number of people on board, the destination, a full description of the vessel, and an estimated time of return.

Also, boaters are reminded to ALWAYS wear a lifejacket when underway and to have a VHF radio onboard, so they can call for help in case they get into trouble.