Coast Guard Locates Bodies Of Missing Boaters Off South Carolina

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2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard concluded its search Tuesday for two men near Winyah Bay.

After searching more than 1,603 square miles for over 77 hours, officials were able to locate both of the men. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recovered the bodies of Kinsley Johnson and Marquis Mickel.

“This is a tragic outcome and we are deeply saddened for the families who have lost two young men,” said Capt. John D. Cole, commanding officer of Sector Charleston. “Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the loved ones of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Mickel. Thank you to all of our first responders for their tireless effort and hard work over the past few days.”

Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center watchstanders received the initial call by family members at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, reporting the two men were only going out for a few hours and departed from Carol Ashmore Campbell Marina in Georgetown. They were last seen aboard a green 8-foot jon boat in the vicinity of Sampit River.

A witness says he saw the two men putting the boat in the water and said “the boat was squatted down in the stern something terrible.” He says he regrets not stopping the men. Watch below.

Georgetown County Coroner Kenny Johnson has requested autopsies.

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