Search crews in Harford County, Maryland, continue looking for an 18-year-old boater who disappeared on the Susquehanna River Wednesday evening.
Mark Coates, of Havre de Grace, was last seen around 5 p.m. Wednesday after launching his boat from the Water Street boat ramp. He has not been seen or heard from since.
Coates’ mother described him as an avid fisherman who loved spending his days on the water, often chasing sunrises and sunsets. His disappearance has left his family and the surrounding community deeply concerned.
The search took a significant turn Thursday morning when Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to Garrett Island after receiving reports of a capsized 10-foot aluminum Jon boat belonging to Coates. However, the teenager was not found aboard the vessel.
Search Effort Draws Multiple Emergency Agencies
Several agencies have joined the search for Coates, including dive teams, search dogs, and aviation resources.
Residents of Havre de Grace have also been following the search closely. John Himelright, who lives near the water, said he watched boats move back and forth along the river as crews searched for the missing teenager.
Although Himelright does not personally know the Coates family, he said the incident has affected the entire community.
He also shared his concerns as a fellow boater, explaining that the disappearance serves as a reminder of how quickly conditions on the water can change.
Himelright emphasized the importance of staying alert, watching for other boaters, and paying attention to changing tides and weather conditions. He noted that storms can develop quickly, creating dangerous situations for people on the water.
Boaters Asked to Avoid Part of the Susquehanna River
As search operations continue, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is asking boaters to stay away from the Susquehanna River stretch between the U.S. Route 40 and Interstate 95 bridges.
The restriction is intended to help emergency crews carry out search operations without interference from recreational boat traffic.
Coates remains missing, and search teams continue working to locate him.
Source: CBS News Baltimore – Search for Missing Boater on Susquehanna River
