Search Resumes for Missing Boater Off La Jolla Coast

LA JOLLA, CA -- The recovery effort resumed today off Windansea Beach in La Jolla where a lobster fisherman disappeared after his boat overturned in rough seas.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department lifeguards continued to search for Tony Nguyen of San Diego for a third day, but they no longer had help from U.S. Coast Guard personnel. Lifeguard officials said it was unlikely Nguyen would be found in the water alive.

Authorities searched from dawn to dusk Thursday but suspended the search for the day shortly after sunset.

A Coast Guard cutter and Jayhawk helicopter crew scanned the ocean waters overnight Wednesday and remained on the job Thursday. Petty Officer Robert Simpson said the Coast Guard would not search again unless further developments warranted it.

The search efforts got underway Wednesday night after Nguyen's 25-foot powerboat overturned during a lobster fishing trip, sending him and his four companions into the water. Lifeguards quickly rescued the other men, all of whom were wearing life jackets.

Paramedics took the rescued fishermen to hospitals for treatment of minor injuries, along with a lifeguard who was blindsided by a wave and swallowed seawater, according to lifeguard officials.

By City News Service/Image via Shutterstock