Date:  July 19, 2008 

Contact: Petty Officer Zach Zubricki 
(617) 406 - 9011 

BOSTON - The Coast Guard ended an extensive search that began Friday when the owner of an adrift paddle boat called Station Boothbay Harbor at 9:30 a.m. today and reported she was safe.

The owner said she suspected her paddle boat broke free from its mooring with nobody in it and did not realize until today the Coast Guard was searching for her.

Station Boothbay launched a 47-foot motor life boat and began searching 2 p.m. Friday after a good Samaritan reported he found the paddle boat adrift near Seguin Island with the owner's backpack and two books aboard.  The Coast Guard also issued repeated urgent marine information broadcasts to alert boaters of the possible missing person asking them to call Sector Northern New England if they had any information.  

An Air Station Cape Cod Falcon jet also assisted in the search, which had to be suspended last night due to severe weather before beginning again at first light today.  The total area searched was 171 square miles.

"We are thrilled that she is safe and unharmed," said Chief Petty Officer Ray E. Mahannah of Sector Northern New England.  "At the same time, we encourage mariners to report lost or missing vessels or people to the local police or nearest Coast Guard station as soon as possible.  Getting information quickly can often result in the safe location of the property or individuals, which prevents the need to search further."  

"Mariners can also help by double-checking their vessel's moorings when severe weather is approaching," said Mahannah.  "Many vessels end up reported as unmanned and adrift after storms go through the area, and the Coast Guard responds to those reports just like other distress calls."

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