Search Suspended for Missing Boaters

Venice - The U.S. Coast Guard today suspended its search for two people who may have been aboard a powerboat when a fire broke out and destroyed the vessel about two miles offshore, west of the Venice Pier.

Smoke and flames were visible for miles as fire raged aboard the 27-foot Casey Lynn just before sundown Tuesday.

Harbor Patrol firefighters were dispatched to put out the blaze at 4:48 p.m., and searchers began looking for anyone who might have been aboard. Witnesses thought they saw two people on the Sea Ray-brand powerboat just before it burst into flames.

The search covered 148 square nautical miles and continued overnight and through 11:10 this morning, when it was called off, said Lt. j.g. Tyler Stutin of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles.

Stutin said earlier that a "good Samaritan reported seeing the boat depart from Marina del Rey." An inflatable boat was tied to the rear.

Crews on an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter and four vessels were involved in the search, including the cutter Blackfin, an 87-foot coastal patrol boat.

The burned-out remnants of the Casey Lynn were towed to shore Tuesday, and arson investigators were assigned to determine what happened.

A neighbor had told FOX 11 News Tuesday night that mail has been piling up at the residence of the boat’s registered owner.