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A large-scale search is underway off the coast of Maryland after the U.S. Coast Guard discovered an unmanned boat belonging to Daniel Potter, a 49-year-old resident of Ocean Pines and Gaithersburg, on Thursday (June 11). The vessel, a dark blue 25-foot 2005 Hydra-Sport with identification MD13DE, was last seen at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City before being located offshore with no one aboard, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Potter was reported critically missing by the Worcester County Sheriff's Office after he was last seen Tuesday (June 10). Authorities note that Potter is known to frequent fishing areas offshore of Ocean City and did not have his cellphone with him. The Sheriff's Office stated the critical missing status was due to concerning statements made to family members before his disappearance.
After local law enforcement notified the Coast Guard of the missing mariner, Coast Guard aircrews launched search assets and discovered the empty vessel offshore. No one was found onboard after a rescue swimmer investigated the scene. Search efforts have since expanded, involving fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and surface boats. Crews have also deployed marker buoys to track the boat's drift and environmental conditions.
The Coast Guard Cutter Pompano remains on scene to assist with the investigation and search operations. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police are also participating in the search.
Authorities urge anyone with information about Potter's whereabouts to contact the U.S. Coast Guard East District Command Center at 1-833-453-1269 or the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1111. Search efforts are ongoing as officials continue to investigate and hope for new leads.