On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, off the coast of Brunswick, Georgia, authorities began a search operation for three fishermen who didn’t return from a fishing trip on their 31-foot vessel, Carol Anne.
The boat’s owner expressed growing concern after failing to communicate with the crew for almost a week, prompting the urgent search.
According to First Coast News, the missing fishermen are identified as Dalton Conway, Caleb Wilkinson, and Tyler Barlow. The men had embarked on a fishing journey about 80 miles offshore, at a location known as the Triple Ledge.
While Conway and Barlow are professional fishermen and frequently undertake such trips, this venture was Caleb Wilkinson’s first. Dalton’s sister and Caleb’s girlfriend, Stevie Conway, shared their distress, stating that the situation is absolutely terrifying, with the family waiting anxiously for any positive news.
Adding to the complexity, two people reported sightings of the Carol Anne on Wednesday, October 18 and Thursday, October 19. However, attempts to set up communication have been futile, as the boat’s communication device has been inactive since Saturday. In addition, the Carol Anne is equipped with a raft carrying sensors that trigger when it comes into contact with water. This raft’s sensor has remained silent, keeping hopes alive that the boat hasn’t capsized.
The search has been extensive, covering over 20,000 square miles by air and ground. The vast area reflects the boat’s intended route and primary fishing spots. Even though the Carol Anne was scheduled to return on Wednesday after a departure the previous Saturday, no successful contact has been established. The Coast Guard and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have intensified their efforts, involving multiple units in the ongoing search operation.
There is a growing concern about the vessel’s direction due to the Gulf Stream’s potential influence. Drifting could have steered them northward, making the Carolinas a probable search area. Action News Jax reported that the U.S. Coast Guard plans to prolong the search for an additional 24 hours at Tyler Barlow’s family’s behest.
The maritime community has been requested to aid in the search efforts, with the families of the missing men fervently hoping for their safe return. As the days pass, the pressure mounts, but the determination to locate the missing fishermen and the Carol Anne remains unwavering.
