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After sunset Wednesday, Coast Guard may end search for missing Brunswick boaters

The initial search for Dalton Conway, Caleb Wilkinson and Tyler Barlow may end at sundown unless the Coast Guard finds something.

BRUNSWICK, Ga. — ***UPDATE: Click here to read the latest updates to this story***

The families of three missing boaters from Brunswick, Georgia have been told that as of sunset Wednesday, they don't have any more searches planned.

There were a few dozen family members for each of the three fishermen. The Coast Guard told them they shifted their focus further North, to the Carolinas border. 

They have searched 80,000 square miles from North Carolina down to St. Augustine and 250 miles off shore.

Depending on if they find anything Wednesday night, they'll consider suspending the search.

“Usually, at this point, we should have found a fishing vessel, or a life raft, or debris of some sort," said Commander Preston Hide. "At this point, we have found nothing.”

Barlow's mom is hoping the Coast Guard finds a reason to keep the search alive after Wednesday.

Family members off all three men walked into the Coast Guard headquarters in Brunswick today, holding hands and supporting each other.

“Tyler is a very disorganized, stubborn, free-willed – he has a huge heart," said Chris Barlow, Tyler Barlow's father.

Barlow fondly remember fishing trips with his 24-year-old son Tyler when he was growing up.

He says his son would do anything he could to help anybody.

“I only hope all the help he’s given to others over the years is returned to him now," said Barlow.

When they came out, they were very emotional after finding out Wednesday could be the last day of the official search.

“We do not, at this point, have any searches planned past sunset," said Hide. "Based on the outcomes of the searches today, we’re going to reevaluate where we’re at on this case.”

“We’re hoping and praying that something turns up," said Barlow. "Someone has some information to continue the search.”

The Barlow family says they’ll keep searching no matter what, asking anyone with a boat, plane or drone to help.

“I hope and pray that my son is still good, and that he’s holding on, and all three of those boys have the strength that’s it’s going to take to get through this," said Barlow.

Even if the Coast Guard calls it tonight, Tyler Barlow's parents told First Coast News they won't stop looking until they find something, and they're hoping anyone with a drone, boat or plane will join them.

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