The U.S. Coast Guard has called off search efforts for four people who were missing after the boat they were on capsized Saturday near Homer in south-central Alaska.
The missing were identified by a relative as a family of four from Troy, Texas — Mary and David Maynard, and sons Colton, 11, and Brantley, 7, The Anchorage Daily News reported Monday. Christi Wells, who issued a statement on behalf of Mary Maynard’s parents, said the family enjoyed spending time with friends and relatives and traveling.
Wells said Mary Maynard, 37, was a traveling nurse and David Maynard, 42, stayed home with the children and ran a lawn care business.
A report came in Saturday evening that a 28-foot aluminum boat carrying eight people had begun to take on water, said Travis Magee, a spokesman for the US Coast Guard. The Coast Guard, as recently completed search and rescue missions near Homer, notified other vessels in the area of the situation, and a nearby boat rescued four people.
A search ensued and crews canvassed the area but efforts were called off Sunday evening.
Mark Thiessen / AP
Magee told The Associated Press that he did not immediately have information on the people who were rescued. He also had no further information about the boat that sank or what may have led to the incident.
Stetson Chase, who said he is a family friend, wrote one statement on Facebook Monday on behalf of Mary Maynard’s mother, confirming the family is still missing.
“Mary, her husband and two sons were lost at sea last night in Alaska after their vessel capsized,” Shace wrote, adding: “I think I can attest to many that they were a wonderful, caring and loving family who deserve to be taken with. Home.”
Cassandra Martin, a family friend from Texas, told CBS affiliate KWTX that she is devastated by the news.
“(It’s) hard to believe this could even be real … she and her husband and her boys are all truly beloved members of our community,” Martin told the station.