Update: No foul play suspected in missing SC boater case; search off Brunswick continues
Authorities say they do not suspect foul play in the case of a missing South Carolina boater.
On Monday, Feb. 13, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which has been investigating the case of missing boater Tyler Doyle, released details from its investigation. In a news release, the agency stated its investigation indicated that on Jan. 26, Doyle and a friend were duck hunting at the Little River jetties in a 16-foot jon boat. Located near the South Carolina/North Carolina line, the jetties are “rock structures that extend from shore into Little River Inlet and help boats navigate the swirling tides and currents.”
A small-craft advisory was in effect that afternoon, which means seas were rough and not conducive for smaller vessel operation. According to SCDNR, Doyle dropped his friend off on the north jetty and pulled away in the boat to put out duck decoys. The two stayed in contact via phone, but the friend lost sight of Doyle as he went around the jetty. Shortly afterward, the release states Doyle called his friend stating the boat “was having mechanical issues, and he couldn’t keep the motor running, and the boat was taking on water.”
According to the investigation, Doyle’s friend flagged down another boat that attempted to get to Doyle but had to return because of rough seas.
A 911-call initiated a multi-agency search that included SCDNR, North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue, and the Coast Guard. The release states an Horry County Fire Rescue boat was on the scene within nine minutes of dispatch. Doyle’s friend was rescued from the jetties, and they were able to locate Doyle’s boat, which was submerged with only a foot of the boat visible above the water. Rescuers noted the water temperature was 50 degrees, and the air temperature was 39 degrees.
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“SCDNR investigators say the phone records, coupled with the data location information, witness interviews, a boat inspection and recovered items currently indicate this to be a hunting/boating accident, and no foul play is suspected at this time,” the release states.
It cites weather conditions and mechanical issues are the “predominant contributing factors” in the accident.
The release also addresses rumors of pending criminal charges against Doyle, saying they “are unfounded.”
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources added it “remains committed to continuing the search as conditions allow,” and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is currently assisting with that search.
“We mourn right alongside Tyler’s family and our officers have been with them throughout this process,” said SCDNR Investigator Ronnie Floyd. “We want to bring them closure, and that’s why we are working every day to try and find him.”
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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: SCDNR does not suspect foul play in case of missing S.C. boater
