JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard on Tuesday ended its search for a University of North Florida student believed to have gone kayaking Saturday near the Jacksonville Beach pier.
Navy, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Coast Guard rescue crews searched Sunday afternoon and Monday for Garth Sangree, who was reported missing by friends after he didn't show up for church.
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On Tuesday, after searching more than 4,435 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean using helicopters from Savannah, fixed-wing aircraft from Miami and Clearwater two cutters and a rescue boat from Mayport, the Coast Guard suspended search efforts.
"Despite the exemplary efforts of our local, state and federal partners, we are unfortunately unable to bring Garth home," said Capt. Thomas Allan, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. "Recent weather has worked against us and with the colder temperatures, we've made the difficult decision to suspend our search efforts. Our hearts go out to the Sangree family during this challenging time."
Investigators said Sangree apparently went kayaking Saturday in the vicinity of the Jacksonville Beach Pier and never returned. Sangree's friends said he rented the kayak from UNF.
"It's been hard, but we're all still -- everyone we've talked to -- still in shock," Kevin Todd said. "It doesn't feel real. You see this on the movies or the news with someone you've never heard of, but it's Garth."
Friends who last saw Sangree Friday said he was knowledgeable in how to survive in extreme conditions.
Before going on the water, the Coast Guard urges boaters to leave a float plan with a family member or friend who is staying on shore. A float plan consists of information about their trip that would help rescuers in case of emergency, such as how many people are aboard, where they are leaving from and returning to, how long they will be out and a description of their boat.
The Coast Guard also encourages boaters to wear life jackets, and to have personal position indicating radio beacons and other emergency equipment, which can make the difference in rescue and response time in the event of an emergency.