Search for man missing off Virginia coast suspended
The search for a Baltimore man who went missing in the waters off Accomack County on Saturday has been suspended.
Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center in Portsmouth received notification at about 2:40 p.m. Friday that 36-year-old Will Judge, last seen camping on Parramore Island near Quinby Inlet, was missing. He was last seen about midnight Thursday by two fellow campers, after the three used two kayaks to get to the island, according to a news release.
The Coast Guard immediately issued an urgent marine information broadcast. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, launched and searched along with a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft-Shallow Water crew and 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Wachapreague, and a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Station Chincoteague.
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Virginia Marine Police searched with air and boat crews, and Nature Conservatory crews searched on ATVs, according to a news release. A Navy helicopter crew from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 and Coast Guard Cutter Sea Horse also joined the search.
A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, along with more Coast Guard, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Accomack County, and other crews searched Saturday.
Both kayaks the men used to get to the island are accounted for.
The Coast Guard searched for a total of 30 hours covering approximately 142 square miles Friday and Saturday.
"One of the most difficult decisions we are forced to make in the Coast Guard is when to call off a search," said Capt. Richard Wester, commander, Sector Hampton Roads. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family this evening."