Department of Natural Resources gives update on search for missing 18-year-old boater

Searchers spent a sixth straight day Tuesday looking for 18-year-old Mark Everett Coates III, who went missing on the Susquehanna River near Havre de Grace nearly one week ago.

What’s happening: Crews used boats, drones, and helicopters Tuesday to search the surface of the river. Underwater dive teams and sonar equipment are set to return to the water Wednesday, November 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.

What we know: Coates launched a 10-foot aluminum jon boat from the Water Street Boat Ramp in Havre de Grace the evening of November 4. He was last seen near the Hatem Memorial Bridge on U.S. 40 around 5 p.m. His overturned boat turned up the next morning near Garrett Island. He was last seen wearing a chartreuse long-sleeved t-shirt and blue jeans.

Wednesday’s search area: The stretch of river between the Tydings Memorial Bridge, which carries I-95, and the Amtrak Bridge will be restricted to authorized crews only during Wednesday’s dive and sonar operations. Volunteer searchers are asked to stay out of that zone while crews deploy equipment. Any certified public safety divers or search teams must check in with Incident Command before entering any part of the search area. Recreational diving is discouraged.

Where to go: Incident Command is set up at the Water Street Boat Ramp at 627 Water Street in Havre de Grace.

The community response: Residents and local businesses have brought food, drinks, blankets, hot chocolate, and hand and foot warmers for the Coates family and first responders throughout the search. The Vandiver Inn offered rooms to immediate family members, and the Hilton in Aberdeen provided additional accommodations. Kooper’s Saloon owners brought lunch for the family, first responders, and Coast Guard personnel Sunday. A prayer circle was held Sunday afternoon at David Craig Park, led by Pastor Jonathon Flosser of Bethel Church.

Who to call: Anyone with information can contact Maryland Natural Resources Police at (410) 260-8888. The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer search and rescue organization helping coordinate the effort, can be reached through Incident Commander Josh Gill at (985) 507-2263. The Coates family contact is Stephanie Coates at 443-254-7811.