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Update: Coast Guard suspends search for missing 23-year-old in Coinjock Bay

Posted at 9:49 AM, Dec 24, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-24 14:55:28-05

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard suspended their search Monday for a 23-year-old man who was reported overdue while on a canoe trip in Coinjock Bay, N.C., Sunday.

Missing was Rick Balance of Coinjock, N.C.

Family members contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City, N.C., at approximately 7 p.m. Sunday, reporting Balance was overdue since 4 p.m.

The Coast Guard issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and launched crews aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small from Station Elizabeth City and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City Sunday.

The Coast Guard searched approximately 60 square miles for more than 12 hours.