Coast Guard searching for missing boater near Hilton Head, S.C.

HILTON HEAD, S.C. - The Coast Guard and local agencies are searching for a missing 50-year-old male who fell overboard 3-miles east of Hilton Head Island Wednesday at approximately 4:55 p.m.

Missing is Lewis Fredrick, 50, hometown unknown.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Charleston, S.C., received notification from a nearby boat that Fredrick had fallen off the fishing vessel, Miss Piggy, while attempting to make repairs and had not resurfaced. The reporting source indicated that he was not wearing a life jacket.

The following assets are assisting with the search:

* A 41-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Tybee Island, Ga.

* The 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon

* An MH-65 helicopter rescue crew from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, Ga.

* The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

* Beaufort County, S.C., Search and Rescue

* Beaufort County Beach Patrol

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