Debris From Boat Found; Owner Missing
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NEWPORT BEACH — The Coast Guard on Monday afternoon found debris from an apparently capsized commercial fishing boat that was last seen in port in Newport Beach about a week ago, but the owner has not been located.
Rescuers were searching for Ken Phillips, 32, who owns and operates the boat. He had no crew members aboard.
The debris, including pieces of wood from the boat, fuel drums and a cooler, was found in Mexican waters, about 140 miles southwest of San Diego.
“It looks like the boat broke up, but we’re not sure how,” said Coast Guard Lt. Dan Deptula.
Coast Guard rescue crews found the debris when they located a signal from the boat’s emergency position-indicating radio beacon, which all commercial vessels are required to have on board.
“It sends out information through a satellite that gives us the location,” Deptula said.
Monday night, the Coast Guard continued to search for Phillips using helicopters, aircraft and patrol boats.
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