Homer, Alaska- A Texas family of four is still missing after their boat capsized and sank near Homer on Saturday.
A family member has identified the missing individuals as Mary and David Maynard, along with their two sons, 11-year-old Colton and 7-year-old Brantley.
According to Travis Magee, a spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard, the family was on a 28-foot aluminum vessel with four other people on Saturday when it started to take on water around 7 p.m. A radio broadcast alerted nearby vessels to the urgent situation, prompting the boat Salty Sea to swiftly come to the rescue.
They successfully saved four individuals from a life raft, according to the source. According to a spokeswoman, there were no reported injuries.
A search operation was initiated by the Coast Guard in an area approximately 16 miles west of the Homer Spit, as stated by officials. According to authorities, the boat capsized under calm conditions with waves at 2 feet and winds less than 5 knots.
Search efforts continued on Sunday, but were halted around 6 p.m. A Coast Guard helicopter, plane, cutter, and two other vessels were utilized during the search, along with assistance from the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and good Samaritan boats, Magee stated.
Mary and David Maynard hail from Troy, Texas and lovingly raised their sons there, according to a statement provided by Christi Wells, speaking on behalf of Mary Maynard’s parents on Monday. According to her, Colton and Brantley are involved in both soccer and baseball.
Mary Maynard, 37, was employed as a traveling nurse while David Maynard, 42, took care of their children and managed a lawn care business, according to Wells. While visiting Alaska, she mentioned that the family enjoyed traveling and spending time with loved ones.
The Coast Guard did not provide any further information regarding the vessel or the incident that led to its sinking on Monday.
Source: ADN