missing kayakers

[wils]

http://www.venturacountystar.com/new...xxfcmissing20/

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Coast Guard calls off search for kayakers

From staff reports
Originally published 02:57 p.m., October 19, 2007
Updated 02:57 p.m., October 19, 2007





The Coast Guard called off its search early this afternoon for two kayakers missing since they went out for a ride around San Nicolas Island Wednesday morning.
"Having exhausted all possibility that we will find survivors, I have ordered our active search suspended," said Coast Gaurd Capt. Mark Hamilton, deputy commander for Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach.
Christopher Victor and Justin Johnson, both in their 20s and Navy Seabees members, left the north of San Nicolas Island where they are stationed with two other kayakers about 8:30 a.m.
The missing men were last seen on a sand spit near the southeast corner of the island. The two other kayakers made it back to the island about noon Wednesday.
Rescuers found the missing men's kayaks about 6 p.m. Thursday some 35 miles southeast of San Nicolas and 14 miles west of San Clemente Island.
The kayaks were spotted by a Navy search and rescue airplane. A Coast Guard helicopter dispatched a diver, who searched unsuccessfully for the two men.
Hamilton said the Navy kept the men's families informed of the latest developments in 2-day-old search.
The men are based out of Gulfport, Miss., and had been stationed at San Nicolas Island for only about two weeks when they went missing, said Teri Reid, a public affairs officer for Naval Base Ventura County.
Even though the search has been called off, Reid said Navy officials continue to hope the men will be found.
The search will resume if the Coast Guard receives information that could help in locating the men, said Andrew Munoz, a lieutenant with the Coast Guard.
Three Navy helicopters, two Coast Guard choppers and the 87-foot Coast Guard cutter Halibut searched for the men Wednesday evening in winds near 35 mph and 6-foot waves, Munoz said.
The Coast Guard searched some 2,000-square-miles since Wednesday, Munoz said.



FridayAM: Two Seabees’ kayaks found adrift 35 miles from island : Local News : Ventura County Star

Thursday: Coast Guard, Navy expand search for missing men : News : Ventura County Star

[Exudedude]

I hope they made it to land somehow... that water is pretty cold. Not to seem negative but it's lookin pretty slim. Best wishes to them and their families

[potto]

Talked to buddy who works on the Island. He didn't personally talk to the two survivors, but from what he was told.
Four went out without wet suits and without telling anyone.
Two came back in, the swell was 6-8 and the wind was running about 20-25mph.
The other two stayed out. Only one life jacket between the two, and again, no wet suit. We can only imagine what happened next. The helicopter found the kayaks tied together.
One other note, these were good quality kayaks.

[Brad100]

Damn... really makes me want to cry... Careful out there, everybody!

[Carnivore]

That is sad to hear for sure.

[grantar2]

This may be the right time to mention personal locator beacons. They are expensive at about $600 but they may very well save your life.

[Brad100]

Originally Posted by grantar2

This may be the right time to mention personal locator beacons. They are expensive at about $600 but they may very well save your life.

Good point... when I bought my EPIRB, alot of posts thought that it wasn't necessary or a good expenditure of funds... in any case, I take it with me whenever I go more than 10 miles out! I know this is crazy but I also take my hand-held GPS, mark the harbor entrance, just in case my boat electronics go out. (my compass works, too). lol

[Sinker]

I am a firm believer in EPIRB's for all boats and personal EPIRB's as well.

Hearing the two Kayaks were tied together but no one in them.

I missed this post early. Very Sad News.

[phishy]

good handheld is a great idea to keep on you at all time. They have equipment that can help them find you, from your signal. Epirbs are a great idea for anyone thinking of going on the water.

[YakSailor]

Wow, I haven't checked the boards for a couple of days. A friend at work told me about it. That's pretty tragic. Let's stay safe out there.