Coast Guard suspends search for RI fisherman in New York

(WJAR) — The U.S. Coast Guard on Sunday suspended the search for a Rhode Island fisherman missing in the waters off Long Island, New York.

The fisherman went overboard 16 nautical miles south of Montauk Point on Saturday.

A spokesperson with the U.S. Coast Guard identified the fisherman as 32-year-old Carl Whitney of Charlestown, Rhode Island.

According to a release, a radio distress call came in around 11:20 p.m. Saturday from the commercial fishing boat Hope and Sydney.

Whitney was wearing an orange T-shirt, jeans, and carrying a green duffle bag. He was not wearing a personal flotation device, the Coast Guard said.

Crews searched through the night and morning in an area of 608 square miles. The search was called off Sunday.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Carl Whitney today," said Capt. Eva Van Camp, commander of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound in a statement. "This tragic incident emphasizes the inherent dangers associated with being out on the water, and we urge all commercial and recreational mariners to take basic steps to ensure their safety before getting underway, including checking the weather, filing a float plan, and wearing a life jacket.”

In an interview with NBC 10 News, Whitney’s mother, Valerie Brew-Jackson, said others tried to save her son, who had been working as a deckhand.

“They threw a life ring out to him but it was dark and nobody could see him,” she said.

According to Brew-Jackson, Whitney’s trip began on Tuesday. It was his first time fishing in four years.

“He just figured he’d make some extra money,” she said.

Whitney’s family members said they are struggling to accept the reality that he is presumed dead, leaving behind two young sons.

They’re urging other fishermen to keep an eye out in a hope for some closure.

“Please look for my brother if you’re out there on the water,” said Scot Whitney, Carl’s older brother. “We ask you, please, we need him to come home.”