Coast Guard searching for overdue boaters

[The Patriot]

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — The Coast Guard, along with members of local agencies, are searching for two overdue boaters, Sunday, in the area between Richmond Hill, Ga., and Tybee Island.

Missing are John Fefperman and Rhonda Fefperman.

A concerned friend notified watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center of the situation at approximately 5:19 p.m. The report stated the two people were aboard a 19-foot center console pleasure craft and had departed Richmond Hill for a day trip to Tybee Island, scheduled to return to Richmond Hill, Sunday. Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to notify boaters in the area of the situation. A UMIB was also issued for St. Catherine’s Sound for sightings of the boat and the two missing people.

A crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah was launched to assist in the search. A crew from Coast Guard Station Tybee Island was also launched to assist in the search.

Crews from Savannah Marine Patrol and Chatham County Marine Patrol are also assisting in the search.

Anyone with information that can help rescue crews are urged to contact the Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center immediately at 843-740-7050.

For more information contact the Coast Guard 7th District Public Affairs Detachment Jacksonville at 305-318-1864.

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