Coast Guard searching for missing fishermen near Oak Island

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) – Rough seas and strong winds could be affecting the search for two missing fishermen off of Oak Island.

The Coast Guard says Steve Chaney and David Hambrick took off aboard a 22-foot fishing boat around 11:30 a.m. Sunday from the South Harbor Boat Ramp in Oak Island.

Boat belonging to missing men (Photo: USCG)

The wife of one of the men called for help after they did not return by dark as expected.

“We are battling severe search conditions due to the approaching tropical system with rough seas and strong winds,” said Chief Warrant Officer Keith Moore, the command duty officer at Sector North Carolina. “Our crews are trying every possible means to locate these fishermen before weather conditions worsen.”

Air Station Elizabeth City sent an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-130 plane to help search by air.  A boat from the Coast Guard Station Oak Island is also searching by water.

Crews are searching the coastline south of Oak Island for the men.

The Coast Guard asks that if you know anything, call (910) 343-3880.