On January 26, 2023, a South Carolina resident, 22-year-old Tyler Doyle, and a friend went duck hunting around 5 p.m., on a 16-foot Jon boat at the Little River jetties. Doyle reportedly dropped his friend off on the north jetty while he went out to place duck decoys. It was a rough day on the water, but the young men stayed in contact by phone. Sometime later, Doyle’s friend lost sight of Doyle as he went around the south jetty.
Shortly afterward, Doyle phones his friend to report mechanical issues with the craft, as he couldn’t keep the motor running. The boat was also taking on water. Doyle’s friend flagged down another boat and tried to get to Doyle, but had to return due to the rapidly deteriorating water conditions on that day.
A 9-11 call was made about Doyle, prompting a rescue mission. The friend was rescued, but Tyler Doyle has not been seen since.
Rescuers found Tyler’s boat submerged with the bow up and the motor down, in water temperatures of around 50 degrees.
Less than a week later, waders and a wallet were recovered off the North Carolina coast on January 31.
The search for Doyle would continue, but it would eventually come to an end, and Tyler Doyle remains missing.
Anyone with information about Tyler Doyle’s case is asked to call the Coast Guard at 305-415-6800.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.