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Bin "Michael" Sai, Jia Fu Zheng, Daxiao Lin and Jaime Liu left Hampton, NH, in a 17-foot-long white center console around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, the United States Coast Guard reports.
The group was reportedly sailing to fishing grounds near Jeffreys Ledge, which is about 50 miles offshore, the agency continued.
However, Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England received word that the boat had not returned by sunset as intended, according to a family member.
A search of the Jeffreys Ledge fishing area ensued and crews found an overturned vessel about seven miles northeast off Cape Ann around 2 p.m. on Thursday, the Coast Guard reports.
Once the vessel was confirmed to be the missing boat, search crews adjusted search area for persons in the water. Later that afternoon the Coast Guard said that three people were found unresponsive and that they were continuing to look for the fourth.
The three individuals were identified as Zheng, age 38, of Quincy, Lin, age 43, of Quincy, and Liu, age 42, of Litchfield, NH. They were all taken to area hospitals where they were pronounced dead, the Coast Guard said. Cai's body was has yet to be found.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of these boaters.” said Capt. Amy Florentino, commander, Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. “The decision to suspend a search and rescue case is one of the most difficult decisions I must make, but we want the public and especially Mr. Cai's family that we did everything in our power to find them."
The search was officially suspended on Friday morning but the Coast Guard said they would continue the search is they receive more information.
Anyone with information that can assist search crews is asked to contact Coast Guard Sector Northern New England at (207) 767-0303.
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