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Coast Guard searching for missing firefighters off Florida coast

Posted at 12:22 PM, Aug 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-18 15:22:12-04

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard, along with partner agencies, is searching for two firefighters who are missing after they were due to return from boating on Friday evening.

Officials say Brian McCluney and Justin Walker were last seen leaving a Port Canaveral boat ramp in Florida on Friday morning in a 24-foot center console.

According to the Coast Guard, the two men were heading toward 8A Reef, a popular fishing spot.

The search is being concentrated on the Gulf Stream area by the Coast Guard, while good Samaritans have been concentrating 1-15 miles offshore.

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A family member notified authorities when the men didn't return when expected.

As of Sunday morning, the Coast Guard has covered 4,800 square miles with no signs of the men. They are using several boats and planes to search for the men, along with other agencies and good Samaritans who are using their own assets to help in the search.

According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, both of the men are members of the association. Walker is a master technician with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in Virginia and McCluney is from the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters.

Anyone who wishes to coordinate with the Coast Guard or has information is asked to contact the Sector Jacksonville Command Center at 904-714-7558.

This story was originally published on WFTS.