Coastal GA News

The Coast Guard has halted its extensive search for three missing individuals aboard the fishing vessel Carol Ann, which was overdue off the coast of Brunswick, Georgia, covering an area larger than the states of Georgia and South Carolina combined. The missing crew members, identified as Dalton Conway, Caleb Wilkinson, and Tyler Barlow, failed to return on the scheduled date, leading to a week-long search effort.

The Coast Guard has suspended its search for three individuals aboard a 31-foot fishing vessel, the Carol Ann, which went overdue off the coast of Brunswick, Georgia. Despite extensive efforts covering over 94,000 square miles in seven days, no traces of the vessel or its crew were found. The missing crew members, Dalton Conway, Caleb Wilkinson, and Tyler Barlow, failed to return on October 18, prompting a search initiated by the vessel's owner. The search effort involved assets such as MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, HC-130 Hercules aircraft crews, and MH-65 Dolphin helicopters, as well as the Coast Guard Cutter Ibis, Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon, and Coast Guard Auxiliary aircraft crews. Support was also provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

In a press release by U.S. Coast Guard, Commander Frank DelRosso said: "Despite the unwavering dedication of our crews, regrettably, we have not been able to uncover any traces of the vessel and have made the difficult decision to suspend the search for three beloved family members. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partner agencies and the countless volunteers who have lent their assistance in this arduous search. Undoubtedly, they, like us, share in the deep sympathy we hold for the families of the missing individuals."

The owner of the fishing vessel Carol Ann reported to Coast Guard Sector Charleston watchstanders that the crew of three individuals did not return as planned on October 18. The crew had departed from Brunswick, Georgia, on October 14 for a fishing trip approximately 80 miles offshore. The last communication with the crew occurred as they headed out to sea.

On October 20th, the Coast Guard attempted to establish communication with the vessel using VHF-FM channel 16 but was unsuccessful.

Despite the suspension of the search, the Coast Guard will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the fishing vessel Carol Ann and its crew.