ST THOMAS, USVI – US Coast Guard air and surface crews are searching for a missing boater, Sunday, in the vicinity of Coki Point Beach and Thatch Cay in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
Missing is Todman Davaughn, 51, who reportedly was ejected from a 30-foot white power boat after the vessel crashed and spun out of control several times.
Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a call from a 911 emergency operator, who relayed the report from a person who witnessed the incident ashore.
Coast Guard watchstanders diverted the launch of a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen and a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement to search.
Once on scene, the Coast Guard aircrew deployed a Self-Locating datum marker buoy to receive real-time information on the sea-state and currents in the area.
A Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft forward deployed to Puerto Rico was also launched, while Saint Thomas Rescue teams also responded with a boat, divers, and a drone to help in search.
A friend of Davaughn reportedly towed the vessel back to shore. As the search continues, the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos will be arriving and searching throughout the night.