The U.S. Navy ended the search for the sailor that possibly went overboard off the coast of Southern California on Thursday.
The Navy said in a statement it ended the effort at sunset Saturday after it searched more than 607 square nautical miles for more than 55 hours off the coast of Southern California. The Navy has declared the man deceased.
The Sailor’s family was informed prior to ending the search efforts, according to a press release.
“The loss of our Sailor is felt deeply by all on board,” said Capt. Eric Anduze, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “The entire Theodore Roosevelt team sends our deepest condolences to the family of our missing shipmate.”
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According to the Navy Times, the family of 20-year-old Ethan Goolsby of San Antonio on Friday identified him as the sailor that prompted the search, the Navy confirmed in a press release Sunday.
The search started Thursday morning after a lookout reportedly spotted what appeared to be a person in the water, according to the U.S. Navy Third Fleet. Ship command later realized one sailor was missing during a command-wide roll call.
The ship deployed a boat and three search and rescue helicopters to help search for the person.
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The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy aircraft, USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Russell (DDG 59), and USS Howard (DDG 83), and USS Charleston (LCS 18) also responded, the Third Fleet said.
Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, said, “The Carrier Strike Group Nine team sends our thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of our missing shipmate. I offer my thanks to all the Sailors and Coast Guardsmen who were involved in the search.”
The incident remains under investigation.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
