CG Ends Search for Missing Boater

The Coast Guard ended its search for Seth Coellner, one of four people aboard the 36-foot recreational vessel that went down Wednesday near the mouth of the Merrimack River.

Rescue crews began searching for the Kensington, N.H., native after the crew of the vessel that Coellner was on called for help when they struck a jetty and began taking on water.

A Coast Guard Jayhawk rescue helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod airlifted one person from the jetty and transferred them to local paramedics. Coast Guard rescue boats from Station Merrimack River rescued the other two people. Their conditions are unknown.

The Coast Guard Cutter Hammerhead, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Woods Hole, Mass., assisted in the search as well.

In all Coast Guard and supporting agencies completed over 14 searches covering 61 square miles.

“It’s always discouraging to end a search,” said Lt. j.g. Brett Gary, command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Boston. "Regardless of who we’re searching for, we’re never happy with this outcome. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Coellner in this difficult time.”