Coast Guard suspends search for overdue paddle boarder

[The Patriot]

MIAMI — The Coast Guard has suspended the search for the overdue paddle boarder who was last seen July 24, 2015.

Missing is William Morlock, 58.

“In this tragic time, our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Mr. Morlock,”said Capt. Michael Long, the Coast Guard Sector Miami deputy commander. “We are pained that our tireless search efforts resulted in this heartbreaking end.”

Morlock’s sister notified watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Miami command center of the situation at 9:05 a.m., Sunday. The woman reported that her brother William was last seen the evening of July 24, at the residence they share, preparing the paddle board for use.

The paddle board was located Saturday six nautical miles east of Normandy Beach, Florida.

Coast Guard crews completed 42 search patterns and covered 35,184 square nautical miles in the search for Morlock.

The following Search-and-rescue crews assisted with the search:

• Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter
• Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft
• Air Station Clearwater HC-130 aircraft
• Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 aircraft
• Air Station Clearwater deployed MH-60 helicopter
• Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark
• Coast Guard Cutter Diamondback
• Coast Guard Cutter Yellowfin
• Coast Guard Cutter William Flores
• Coast Guard Cutter Maria Bray
• Coast Guard Cutter Shrike
• Coast Guard Cutter Sawfish
• Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce
• Coast Guard Search and Rescue
• Coast Guard 5th District command center
• Air Force Base Hurlburt Field
• Port St. Lucie Police Department
• NAS Jacksonville

For more information contact the Coast Guard 7th District public affairs office at 786-367-7649.

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