Crews suspend search for missing crab fisherman near Anacortes

ANACROTES -- Coast Guard officials said they suspended the search for an overdue crab fisherman on Wednesday.

Officials first began the search for 48-year-old Dean Harvey on Tuesday. Crews searched a 909 square mile area in a 24-hour period.

A helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles located an overturned ship matching the description of Harvey's near the southeast corner of Lopez Island around 9:00 a.m.

The Coast Guard Cutter Adelie towed the ship to shore while another crew searched the area for any signs of the Bremerton man.

“Suspending the search for a missing person is one of the most difficult decisions we must make,” said Cmdr. Brian Meier, chief of response for Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Harvey during this difficult time, especially on the eve of Thanksgiving.”

Officials said the search is on hold indefinitely unless there are any further developments.