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Mark Everett Coates III, 18, Missing On Susquehanna River

The family of an 18-year-old Maryland boater who vanished on the Susquehanna River is refusing to give up hope as a national volunteer rescue organization joins the search.

Mark Coates III

Mark Coates III

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Coates Family

Mark Everett Coates III, of Havre de Grace, has been missing since Wednesday, Nov. 4, when he was last known to be operating a 10-foot aluminum jon boat near the Hatem Memorial Bridge around 5 p.m., Maryland Natural Resources Police said. His boat was found capsized near Garrett Island the following morning, prompting a search involving multiple agencies.

In an emotional Facebook post, Stephanie Coates described the family's desperate efforts to bring him home.

"Markie buddy, we are not giving up on you and never will. We will work day and night till we find you and this nightmare comes to an end! Daddy is trying and fighting so hard to bring you home to us all!

"Through the morning hours, into the late dark nights searching all over for you!"

The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer disaster response and search organization, has also joined the effort, helping coordinate additional resources. Incident Commander Josh Gill is working to strengthen the ongoing search and support those trying to locate Coates, the organization said.

The group is urging residents of Havre de Grace and surrounding communities to share information, particularly anyone who was near the Susquehanna River on the afternoon Coates disappeared.

Coates had launched his boat from the Water Street Boat Ramp before heading onto the river. He was last seen wearing a chartreuse long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans.

The US Coast Guard, Susquehanna Hose Company, Harford County Emergency Services, Harford County Sheriff's Office, Chesapeake Search Dogs, and other agencies have assisted Maryland Natural Resources Police, with dive teams and aviation resources deployed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888 or United Cajun Navy Incident Commander Josh Gill at 985-507-2263.

The circumstances surrounding the capsized boat remain unclear.

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