EMERALD ISLE, N.C. — Author's note: The video above is on file from December 7, 2021.
The U.S. Coast Guard said a search for a missing kayaker along the North Carolina coast has been suspended.
The maritime service said in a news release Saturday that the man was reported missing in the area of Bogue Inlet.
The area is near Emerald Isle.
The Coast Guard said that Warren Liner was last seen on Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park.
An Onslow County dispatcher had received a call Friday from the man’s wife that he had not returned from a kayaking trip.
His kayak was found on Bear Island Friday afternoon.
“Tonight's decision to suspend the search for Mr. Liner was tough,” said Capt. Matt Baer, commander, Sector North Carolina. "Our crews and the crews of our state and local partners did their best to find him, and we will keep his family in our thoughts."
The Coast Guard searched with crews aboard the following assets:
- an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City
- a 24-foot Response Boat-Small from Station Emerald Isle
- a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Fort Macon
- Coast Guard Cutter Steelhead, an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat
Assisting with the search were crews and assets from the following agencies and municipalities:
- Hammocks Beach State Park Rangers
- Onslow County
- North Carolina Marine Patrol
- Town of Swansboro
- Town of Emerald Isle
- City of Jacksonville
- Pender County