Search Suspended For Missing Boater Off Glen Cove

GLEN COVE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The U.S. Coast Guard suspended a search Sunday afternoon for a boater who went missing off Glen Cove, Long Island.

Around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New York were notified of a 21-foot boat with a number of personal items onboard – including a cellphone, wallet and keys. There was also a dog aboard the boat, the Coast Guard said.

But the boater – Ralph Fletcher, described being in his 50s – was not there.

Sands Point police officers brought the dog back to their station, Coast Guard Petty Officer Frank Iannazzo-Simmons told WCBS 880.

Meanwhile, numerous police and fire agencies assisted the Coast Guard in the search, but it was suspended around 12:30 p.m., the Coast Guard said.

The Coast Guard searched 225 square nautical miles for approximately 24 hours for Fletcher before giving up on the search.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Fletcher in this difficult time," Captain Michael Day, commander of the Coast Guard Sector New York Command Center, said in a news release. "Suspending a search is never an easy call to make and was made with deep consideration in this tragic case."

The Coast Guard urged all boaters to file a float plan with family or friends prior to going out. A float plan is a life-saving device on paper, which can make a difference in rescue and response time, the Coast Guard said.