Coast Guard suspends search for Olympia man, woman who went missing off Grays Harbor

WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard said Friday it has suspended the search for boaters Thomas Miller, 68, of Olympia, and Tina Pittman, 41, who went missing off the North Jetty of Grays Harbor on Thursday night.

The operation was suspended at about 7:15 p.m. Friday, after crews conducted a total of 16 searches over 24 hours. Coast Guard crews searched more than 1,200 trackline miles and 555 square miles during search efforts, it said.

"The decision to suspend a search is extremely difficult,” said Capt. Daniel Travers, commander Coast Guard Sector Columbia River. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the missing boaters and their families."

The search began at about 7:10 p.m. Thursday, after a report of a capsized 20-foot Boston Whaler 30 yards offshore and in the surf zone.

The initial report came into the Coast Guard at from a person walking the beach, and who dialed 911.

The vessel was determined to be registered to Thomas Miller, 68, of Olympia. Olympia Police conducted a welfare check with negative results but were able to contact neighbors who stated that he was on a fishing trip with a female.

The woman, Tina Pittman, was reported missing by her husband Thursday evening.