US Coast Guard Locates Unmanned Vessel of Missing Mariner Off Ocean City

June 12, 2026/Mari Lou

Image courtesy Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

The search continues for a missing mariner whose vessel was located unmanned off the coast of Ocean City by the U.S. Coast Guard.  Worcester County Sheriff’s Office reports that 49 year old Daniel Potter was last seen Wednesday – his 25-foot recreational vessel was last seen docked at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City, Maryland. 

Additional Coast Guard aircraft and helicopter crews responded to the scene and a rescue swimmer investigated the vessel and confirmed that no one was on board. The Coast Guard subsequently assumed search and rescue mission coordinator responsibilities and expanded search efforts utilizing fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and surface assets. Crews deployed Self-Locating Datum Marker Buoys to assist with tracking environmental conditions and vessel drift. 

An HC-130J Hercules aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City conducted multiple searches and relocated the vessel Friday. The aircrew deployed a second datum marker buoy near the vessel before returning to base.

The Coast Guard Cutter Pompano remains on scene to conduct further investigation and gather information that may assist search and rescue efforts.

Coast Guard assets involved in this case include:

  • Coast Guard Station Ocean City response boat crews
  • Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City air crews
  • Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City air crews
  • Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region responders
  • Local first responders

Search efforts remain ongoing.  Waterway users are requested to keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress and anyone with information regarding the missing mariner is asked to contact the U.S. Coast Guard East District Command Center at 1-833-453-1269.

 

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