Coast Guard suspends search-and-rescue mission

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search-and-rescue mission for three people missing since a twin-engine plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Fernandina Beach. <br> <br> The aircraft went down Sunday with four aboard during a search for endangered right whales. Coast Guard officials suspended the search Monday night. <br> <br> The body of Jackie Ciano, 47, a researcher from Wellfleet, Mass., was found near the scene of the accident early Monday. <br> <br> Crash investigators will now work to recover the aircraft, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Dana Warr said. <br> <br> Missing are Emily Argo, 25, a conservation biologist from St. Petersburg; Michael Newcomer, 49, a researcher from Los Altos, Calif.; and the pilot, Tom Hinds of Fernandina Beach. <br> <br> The scientists were conducting right whale research for Wildlife Trust, a nonprofit wildlife research and conservation organization that works to save threatened and endangered species from extinction through collaborative efforts with local scientists and educators, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. <br> <br> ``All are dedicated conservationists, passionate about their work. We pray for Michael, Tom and Emily&#39;s survival and are devastated by Jackie&#39;s loss,&#39;&#39; said Dr. Mary Pearl, president of Wildlife Trust. <br> <br> The Coast Guard found the plane&#39;s locator beacon Sunday night about eight miles east of Fernandina Beach. Crew members also found a backpack, life jackets, film canisters and some papers among the wreckage. <br> <br> Coast Guard rescue aircraft from Coast Guard air stations Clearwater and Savannah, Ga., along with crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Kingfisher were aiding in the search efforts, which cover more than 300 square miles. The Coast Guard Cutter Shrike relieved the Kingfisher Monday evening. <br> <br> Also assisting in the search the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Nassau County Sheriff&#39;s Department, Civil air Patrol, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. <br> <br> The plane had taken off from St. Simons Island, Ga., and was scheduled to return there.