Coast Guard Searching for Missing Sailor

Joseph Calland (USCG)

A 73-year-old sailor is missing and has prompted a massive search which is centering on the waters off New Jersey and the rest of the nation’s mid-Atlantic coastline.

Joseph Calland, a native of France, was aboard the 39-foot sailboat Nennette, the Coast Guard said in a statement Wednesday. Watchstanders originally received a mayday call at 11:20 p.m. Sunday from the sailor, who was later confirmed to be Calland. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy crews searched the area from whence the distress call originated through Monday afternoon but did not find any signs of distress.

Calland was on a journey from his last port near Beaufort, S.C., to New York City.

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The Coast Guard crews’ search has encompassed 2,063 square miles so far. Boaters are being asked to keep an eye out for the vessel or signs of Calland. Anyone with information about Calland or his sailboat should contact the 5th District Command Center at 757-398-6390 or RCCNorfolk@uscg.mil.