Coast Guard Searching For Gig Harbor-Bound Boat

The United States Coast Guard is attempting to locate an overdue vessel that was scheduled to arrive in Gig Harbor last month.

According to the Coast Guard, Benjamin Johnson of Houston, Texas, left Panama City on May 28, 2012 and told family members that he was headed to Gig Harbor in his sailboat.

Petty Officer Nathan Bradshaw of Coast Guard public affairs said the 73-year-old man was due in Gig Harbor sometime during the last week of July.

Johnson’s family members contacted the Coast Guard in Alameda, Calif. after they lost contact with him.

Johnson’s boat, “Northair”, is described as a 32-foot white-hulled sailing vessel with a turquoise stripe, and “Houston” is written inside the stripe, according to officials.

Johnson’s family said he was planning to stop in Baja, Mexico on his way to Gig Harbor but did not have any plans to stop at specific spots.

His family said Johnson, an experienced sailor, had food and water on board, but the boat was in “poor shape”.

If you have any information on Johnson or his boat, contact the Coast Guard at 206-220-7237.