Coast Guard Suspends Search For Florida Plane Crash Survivors

PALM BEACH, FL — The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday for two people aboard a Piper Saratoga aircraft that crashed 23 miles east of Palm Beach.

"The Coast Guard conducted maritime and aerial searches for more than 32 hours and concentrated in an area of 1,164 square nautical miles," Coast Guard officials said. "Numerous other searches were conducted by Palm Beach Sheriff's Office and partner agencies."

Capt Mark Vlaun, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami, said that suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions commanders must make.

“We have been in regular contact with the family members throughout our search efforts and extend our sympathies for what we know is a very difficult time for them," Vlaun said.

The Coast Guard has been searching for survivors since Friday.

The search team included Coast Guard Cutter James, Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark, MH-65 helicopters, an HC-144 aircraft from Air Station Miami Station Lake Worth Inlet along with partner agencies.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano