Day 8: Aircraft to launch as search continues for boater missing from North Myrtle Beach area

EDITOR’S NOTE: The missing boater’s name has not been officially released yet. It is our policy at WMBF News to not release names unless it comes from an official or the family.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - The search for the missing 22-year-old boater last seen in the North Myrtle Beach area continues.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said air resources are waiting for the weather to clear, and then Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office will put its helicopter in the air and SCDNR will fly its fixed-wing aircraft.

SCDNR said the search is being conducted jointly by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina Marine Patrol, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, the Sunset Beach Police Department, the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad, Horry County Fire Rescue, the Ocean Isle Fire Department, as well as dozens of volunteers.

SCDNR said the search will continue through the weekend unless a recovery is made.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Belongings of missing boater found along N.C. coast, water rescue team says
• Coast Guard suspends search for 22-year-old boater in North Myrtle Beach area
• Search continues for missing boater in North Myrtle Beach area

The search began Jan. 26 after crews responded to a report of a boat taking on water and sinking with two people on board, according to the Coast Guard. One boater was located.

Search teams covered hundreds of miles along the coast. On Wednesday the Oak Island Water Rescue confirmed items belonging to the man were found off the Brunswick County coast.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

*EDITOR’S NOTE: The U.S. Coast Guard originally said the boater’s age was 23 years old. SCDNR has confirmed that the boater is 22 years old. We have updated the story to reflect the proper age.

Copyright 2023 WMBF. All rights reserved.