U.S. Coast Guard Has Suspended Search For Roger Turner Jr.

Man Missing in Perquimans river - Elsewhere, Kayaker Rescued in Chincoteague, VA.

July 6, 2007

PERQUIMANS COUNTY NC NEWS -- The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for Roger Turner Jr., whose 20-foot pleasure craft was found unoccupied Thursday morning in a marshy area near the mouth of the Perquimans river. The search began Wednesday night for the vessel after it was reported overdue. Susan Turner, Roger's wife and other occupant of the vessel, has been found safe between Reed and Stevens Point in Perquimans County. Coast Guard crews have searched 173 square miles of area with no results in finding the lost man.

After falling overboard and spending twelve hours in the water, Susan Turner, swam ashore Thursday morning. Neither she nor her husband was wearing life jackets. Susan Turner stated that she was knocked overboard into the river after the vessel encountered a large wave. She then managed to swim from one crab pot buoy to another in order to stay afloat. It is not known if Roger Turner Jr., fell overboard at the same time as his wife.

The Coast Guard weighs a number of factors in the decision to suspend an active search including working with local partners in Perquimans County and the State of North Carolina. The North Carolina Wildlife Division is conducting a marine accident investigation. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Roger Turner Jr., is urged to contact Coast Guard Sector North Carolina at (252) 247-4570.

Elsewhere, Coast Guard Station Chincoteague VA., Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., the Virginia Marine Resource Commission and the Virginia State Police searched through Wednesday night for a missing kayaker, Tom Moorhead, a native of College Park, Maryland.

Coast Guard Station Chincoteague was notified shortly after 11:00 p.m. Wednesday by Moorhead's family after he did not return to his vacation home at a prearranged time.

A 23-foot boat crew from Station Chincoteague rescued Tom Moorehead at around 9:00 a.m. Thursday after the HH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City spotted him that morning. Moorhead was taken to a local hospital for treatment of slight lacerations and exhaustion.

On the Fourth of July, Mr. Moorhead spent several hours fighting against strong winds eventually drifting approximately five miles from his original intended landing. Eventually, Moorhead took refuge in an abandon duck blind for the night.

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Rick Ball, officer in charge of Station Chincoteague said, "Thanks to great search planning and outstanding local agency cooperation, this case had a positive outcome."

Whenever boating always wear your life jacket, leave a plotted route of your trip as well as a departure and arrival time with family or friends. Always bring a cell phone, plenty of water and enough survival equipment to last overnight. A peaceful fun filled day on the water can easily turn into a fight for your life at night. The Coast Guard, state and local county search and rescue agencies use all information that can be provided by friends, family, and the general public to assist in a search and rescue.

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

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