Long Island Coast Guard Searching For Missing Conn. Sailor

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) -- The Coast Guard is searching for a missing Connecticut sailor whose boat was found untied and running at a Long Island pier.

Petty Officer Seth Johnson says a man called at 5:30 a.m. after spotting the sailboat in the Long Island Sound near Riverhead with its sail up and motor running.

Owner Francis Closter, of Haddam, Conn., was missing but his glasses and wallet were found on board.

Johnson says the Coast Guard is treating it "as a potential person in the water.''

The 64-year-old boater left Haddam on Thursday. His sail plan called for him to go a short distance to Clinton, Conn.

Local Connecticut and Long Island fire and police departments are assisting.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Coast Guard at
203-468-4401.
   
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)