POINT MUGU : Search Reduced for Missing Fisherman
The search for an off-duty Navy officer who failed to come home Saturday from surf-fishing on Mugu Rock was scaled down Monday, authorities said.
Petty Officer 1st Class Edwin Loder, 39, had gone fishing on the peninsula about 7 p.m. Saturday, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities say Loder may have been washed off the peninsula and swept away in a strong riptide.
“The presumption is that he’s drowned at this point,” said Lt. Gary Backman of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
Loder was reported missing Sunday by his wife, Mary, who found his car and fishing tackle at Mugu Rock at 8 a.m. Sunday.
On Sunday, the Sheriff’s Department and the Navy sent helicopters and divers to search for him.
But divers called off their search at 4:30 p.m. when the surf became too dangerous, Backman said.
One Sheriff’s Department helicopter was sent up Monday to look for Loder, but no boats or divers were scheduled to resume the search. If the helicopter spotted Loder, divers were to be called out, Backman said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
