Coast Guard searching for possible missing boater, seeks public assistance

BOSTON — The Coast Guard is searching Buzzards Bay for a possible missing boater after an 8-foot zodiac-style boat was found overturned about four miles northwest of Cuttyhunk, Mass., Monday, Aug. 23, 2010.

Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England in Woods Hole, Mass., received the report of the unmanned vessel from a passing fisherman around 2:25 p.m.

The boat is described as a gray zodiac with a small, black outboard engine that outputs roughly 5-8 horsepower. There are no other markings on the vessel.

A Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod is currently searching Buzzards Bay for any signs of a person in distress.

Due to current on-scene weather, the Coast Guard is unable to launch station boats to the area.

The on-scene weather is rainy with 20-25 knot winds with gusts up to 40 knots, 3-5 foot seas with a visibility of three miles or less.

The overturned boat is believed to have originated from the Elizabeth Islands.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Sector Southeastern New England at 508-457-3211.

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