Agencies, Coast Guard search for missing boater

CLEVELAND – Local authorities and the Coast Guard are searching for a missing boater off of Vermillion, Ohio.

Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector Detroit Command Center received a call at approximiately 9:00 p.m. regarding an unmanned 23-foot Sea Ray boat which had washed up on shore near Cranberry Creek.

The Command Center issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast.

Rescue crews were sent from Coat Guard Stations Lorain and Marblehead as well as an aircrew on an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Detroit.

Huron Police and Fire Departments participated in the investigation and search as well as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

A good Samaritan towed the boat to Cranberry Creek and offered assisted by the Huron Fire Department.

Local authorities uncovered signs of recent occupancy such as a wallet, cell phone and hand-held GPS fish-finder.

Family members were alerted to the missing person who authorities describe as a 66-year-old Caucasian male, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds.

The man is said to have gone out fishing on Friday morning and was last seen at approximately 1:00 p.m.

The man is believed to have worn short pants and a shirt.

A friend of the man indicated to authorities that he liked to go fishing about one to two miles offshore approximately one mile east or west of Vermilion.

On Friday, waves on Lake Erie were reported to be nearly four to five feet.

Anyone with information about the missing man is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Detroit Command Center at 313-568-9560.