Coast Guard Responds, Suspends Search for Possible Downed Aircraft near Deal Island

     Baltimore, Md. -- The Coast Guard suspended its search at 1:38 p.m. Sunday for a possible downed aircraft in the Wenona area of Deal Island, Md., Saturday.

     Neighborhood residents contacted Coast Guard Sector Baltimore watchstanders at approximately 6 p.m., reporting to have heard an aircraft engine and a big splash in the water but were not able to see anything due to darkness and weather conditions.

     "We treat all reports of this nature as a probable distress until we believe otherwise," said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Randall Brown, Sector Baltimore chief of response. "If anyone has more information or knows of a missing person that could be involved please contact the Coast Guard."

    Crews aboard a 25-foot Response Boat - Small and a 41-foot Utility Boat from Coast Guard Station Crisfield, Maryland Natural Resources Police boatcrews, a crew aboard a Maryland State Police helicopter, a crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., along with other local agencies responded to search for the possible downed aircraft.

     The Coast Guard searched a total of 20 square miles for approximately 18 hours.

     There have been no confirmed reports of an overdue aircraft.