ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NET

UPDATE 29 SEP 20:

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.

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UPDATE: September 29, 2020 – Coast Guard, partner agencies conclude search for 2 men near Winyah Bay

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.

Involved in the search were:

  • Coast Guard Air Station Savannah

  • Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston

  • Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater

  • Coast Guard Station Georgetown

  • Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon

  • Coast Guard Cutter Angela McShan

  • Coast Guard Auxilary Air

  • Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office

  • Georgetown County Marine Rescue Squadron

  • Georgetown County Fire Rescue

  • South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

  • South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

Initial Report Sept. 27, 2020 – Coast Guard searching for overdue boat with 2 people aboard

CHARLESTON, S.C.— The Coast Guard is searching for an overdue boat with two people aboard near Winyah Bay, Sunday.

Overdue are Marquis Michael and Kinsley Johnson, both approximately 33 year-old last seen aboard a green 8-foot jon boat with one silver outboard motor in the vicinity of Sampit River.

One individual is described as a black male about 6 foot 2 inches tall weighing 240 pounds last seen wearing a white shirt, black shorts with dreadlocks.The other individual is described as a black male about 5 foot 8 inches tall weighing 160 pounds last seen wearing a white hat and orange life jacket.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Charleston received the initial call at 10:30 p.m. Saturday from a family member stating the two men were only going out for a few hours and departed from Carol Ashmore Campbell Marina in Georgetown.

Anyone with information is urged to please call Coast Guard Sector Charleston at 843-740-7050.

Coast Guard assets involved in search:

  • Air Station Elizabeth City C-130J Hercules aircrew

  • Two HH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews from Air Station Savannah

  • A 45-foot Response Boat—Medium and 29-foot Response Boat—Small crews from Station Georgetown

Also searching are crews from Georgetown County and Department of Natural Resources.