Coast Guard responds, suspends search for possible downed aircraft near Deal Island, Md.

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard suspended its search at 1:38 p.m. Sunday for a possible downed aircraft in the Wenona area of Deal Island, Md., Saturday.

Neighborhood residents contacted Coast Guard Sector Baltimore watchstanders at approximately 6 p.m., reporting to have heard an aircraft engine and a big splash in the water but were not able to see anything due to darkness and weather conditions.

"We treat all reports of this nature as a probable distress until we believe otherwise," said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Randall Brown, Sector Baltimore chief of response. "If anyone has more information or knows of a missing person that could be involved please contact the Coast Guard."

Crews aboard a 25-foot Response Boat - Small and a 41-foot Utility Boat from Coast Guard Station Crisfield, Maryland Natural Resources Police boatcrews, a crew aboard a Maryland State Police helicopter, a crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., along with other local agencies responded to search for the possible downed aircraft.

The Coast Guard searched a total of 20 square miles for approximately 18 hours.

There have been no confirmed reports of an overdue aircraft.

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