Coast Guard Halts Search for Missing Kayaker

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing 53-year-old kayaker last seen near Newport Harbor, Pfc. Adam Eggers said.

Marc Cross told family members he was going out paddling for a few hours Wednesday and didn't return.

A 52-hour search covered 2,446 square miles, but spotters saw no sign of the man or his green kayak, Eggers said.

"We're in the business of finding survivors,'' he said. "We want husbands and brothers and sons back for dinner, so it's disappointing when you can't do that.''

"It's not a total and complete give-up,'' Eggers said. Coast Guard patrols will keep a lookout for Cross. If the kayak turns up, the search could resume, he said.

The hunt included a C-130 Hercules helicopter from Sacramento with an infrared camera and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from San Diego. It also included the 87-foot, Marina del Rey-based cutter Halibut and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles.

Cross family members told authorities he rarely wore a life jacket but was an experienced kayaker.

But Eggers cautioned, "It doesn't matter if you're the greatest swimmer in the world, you should always wear a life jacket in a kayak or on a boat. And you should always wear a wetsuit or dry suit, have an extra paddle and carry a radio or cell phone to call for help.''

-- City News Service