Search Called Off For Missing Long Island Man Who Went Paddleboarding

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Coast Guard has called off its search for a Long Island man who went missing on Sunday.

Gary Turkel, 41, of Atlantic Beach, was last seen on a paddleboard not far from his home on Ocean Boulevard, CBS2 reported. The Coast Guard launched a search within hours, but without success.

Family members were too distraught to speak on Tuesday. Surfing experts said paddleboarders should take extra precautions when it comes to oceans and unpredictable wind shifts.

"If you're very inexperienced, go with a buddy, never do it alone, always wear a life jacket if you're not a strong swimmer and have a leash that's attached to your ankle to the board," Surf Store Manager Matt Rios said.

Safety patrol volunteers from Queens and Brooklyn said they will not give up their search. Their volunteers are scouring waters as far as Fire Island.