Coast Guard suspends search efforts for missing Destin area kayaker
NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard has suspended its search for an overdue kayaker near Destin.
David Schink, 61, departed Norriego Point in a blue and green kayak about 2:30 p.m. Saturday and did not return. He was expected to return to the Poolside Villas around sunset.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a notification about 7:40 p.m. Saturday from Schink's family. Schink was last seen wearing shorts, a T-shirt and a black and red life jacket. Schink reportedly does not have a cellphone.
More:Coast Guard, OCSO search for missing kayaker known to paddle around Destin, Crab Island
More:Dorcas firefighters locate missing boater on Shoal River near Crestview
From the initial report through Monday evening, rescue crews searched more than 9,160 square nautical miles continuously for 49 hours.
Involved in the search were:
- Coast Guard Station Destin 45-foot Response Boat-medium boatcrew
- Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew
- Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircrew
- Coast Guard Cutter Albacore
- Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel
- Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
- Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Coast Guard announced Monday evening that the search would be suspended.
“The decision to suspend a search-and-rescue case is never one we come to lightly,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kate Sullivan, search and rescue mission coordinator for Sector Mobile. “We offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Schink in this difficult time.”
