North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By RUBEN LOWMAN
Area first responders are continuing to search for a local boater who has been missing since last week.
Tyler Doyle, 23, has been missing since local emergency crews were alerted to a boating distress call coming from near the Little River jetties last Thursday evening, Jan. 26.
Doyle and another passenger of a 16-foot jon boat were duck hunting, reports said, when the boat began to take on water and sink.
The other occupant of the boat was found and rescued from the north jetties.
Crews from the U.S. Coast Guard, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Horry County Fire Rescue, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad have all taken part in the rescue effort.
The Coast Guard suspended their active search last Friday night after searching for approximately 45 hours and 694 miles, according to officials.
Lt. Emily M. Trudeau, Sector Charleston PAO, said, “We offer our deepest sympathies to the family at this difficult time,” after calling off the active search.
First responders with the other agencies involved have continued the search, with NMB Rescue Squad officials saying they deployed their Water Rescue Team for the third time on Sunday, using sonar scans within the search area.
A dive team from SCDNR has also aided the efforts since HCFR crews first responded to the distress call on Thursday.
The rescue squad said that “local and state resources are not giving up the search.”
Local boaters have also assisted in the rescue efforts, as well as members of Doyle’s family.
Doyle was last seen wearing a camouflage jacket and khaki pants. A GoFundMe account has been started to help the family.
Rescue squad officials said to “please continue your prayers for the family.”
