Coast Guard continues to search Atlantic for 3 people from missing fishing boat

Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search for three people who were aboard an Atlantic Ocean fishing vessel that failed to return to port on Wednesday.

"Coast Guard Sector Charleston watch standers received a report from the owner of the fishing Carol Anne stating he hired a crew of three people that failed to return on Wednesday as scheduled," the Coast Guard said in a press release Tuesday.

The Coast Guard said the 31-foot vessel's owner had not heard from the crew in nearly a week.

"The owner stated the crew extends fishing trips to maximize their catch but was growing concerned due to their last communication with the crew being six days ago," the Coast Guard said.

The Coast Guard says the Jacksonville and Charleston sectors tried to contact the vessel via VHF-FM channel 16 but we unable to reach the crew.

The Coast Guard says five of its crews are looking for the Carol Anne and have covered 32,172 square mile search area so far.