Family missing at sea: Coast Guard calls off search amid hoax reports
Family missing at sea: The US Coast Guard has stopped searching for a family of four who called out for assistance off the central California coast last weekend. Now, there is speculation that the report of a family missing at sea could possibly be a hoax.
Santa Cruz, Calif.
The Coast Guard on Tuesday called off the search for a boat that reportedly sank in rough seas far off the Central California coast with two adults and two children on board, saying the family's frantic distress calls could have been a hoax.
Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Mike Lutz said crews found no debris and no physical signs of distress after searching for nearly 48 hours.
Crews have been looking for the family by sea and air since receiving their first distress call Sunday afternoon.
The boaters said their 29-foot sailboat, which might have been called "Charmblow," was taking on water and their electronics were failing.
