CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. – The body of a missing woman was recovered Friday afternoon in Dover Creek, just off the Satilla River, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said.
Crews had searched for days for Laura Hutchins, 61, who was last seen with her husband Sunday afternoon on St. Andrews Sound in a pontoon boat, before the Coast Guard suspended the search for her Thursday morning.
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The body of Raymond Hutchins, 59, was recovered Tuesday. He was not wearing a life vest.
"One of the most difficult decisions I make as a captain is the decision to suspend a search-and-rescue case. I take it very seriously," said Capt. Gary Tomasulo, fommander of Coast Guard Sector Charleston. "It’s never easy to see a case end in suspension and that’s why we’re dedicated to standing by the Hutchins family in this difficult time. Our search wouldn’t have been as thorough if it weren’t for the incredible level of support brought by our local partners. I thank them for their efforts."
The Hutchins’ son reported the couple missing to watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Brunswick at approximately 9:20 a.m., saying that they hadn't returned from a boating trip. The couple had departed a dock in Harriet's Bluff at 11 a.m., Sunday.
Georgia Department of Natural Resource officials said there was a thunderstorm over the area Sunday afternoon, but it's unclear if that contributed to the tragedy.
The Coast Guard launched crews aboard a 29-foot Response Boat — Small from Station Brunswick and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Savannah to assist in the search.
A boat crew with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources located the Hutchins’ 21-foot vessel unmanned on Monday with the engine running and their and dog still aboard. It was discovered in the Little Satilla River, which empties into the sound, which is between Cumberland and Jekyll islands.
The Coast Guard led search efforts with assistance from Georgia DNR and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Deputies with the Camden County Sheriff's Office and personnel with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources searched the islands, hoping the couple made it to shore.