BELLINGHAM — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a man reported missing between Bellingham and the San Juan Islands.
Nick Saling, 53, failed to return Sunday night from a sailing trip to Cypress Island, Coast Guard 13th District officials said.
His 25-foot sailboat was spotted northeast of Lummi Island.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound were notified of Saling’s disappearance by his sister at about 11:30 a.m. Monday.
Crews from Coast Guard Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles, Coast Guard Station Bellingham, Coast Guard cutter Terrapin, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Whatcom Fire Department and Lummi Island police and fire departments searched more than 360 square-nautical miles for 15 hours but were unable to find Saling.
The search for Saling was called off at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
“After careful consideration and an extensive review of all factors involved, the Coast Guard has made the difficult decision to suspend its active search efforts,” Coast Guard Cmdr. Matt Michaelis said in a press release.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Saling.”
