A Texas family is feared dead after their boat capsized in the frigid waters near Homer, Alaska. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, August 3, when David Maynard, 42, his wife Mary, 37, and their two sons, Colton, 11, and Brantley, 7, were sailing on a 28-foot aluminum boat. The vessel, carrying a total of eight people, began taking on water around 7 p.m. local time. Despite efforts from nearby boats and the U.S. Coast Guard, only four people were rescued from a life raft, leaving the Maynard family missing.
The U.S. Coast Guard, after an extensive search covering approximately 16 miles west of the Homer Spit, suspended the rescue operation on Sunday evening. Coast Guard spokesperson Travis Magee noted the challenging decision to suspend the search, emphasizing that they are ready to resume if new information emerges. The conditions at the time of the incident included 2-foot-tall waves and 51-degree Fahrenheit water, which posed significant survival challenges.
Mary Maynard was a traveling nurse, and David ran a lawn care business. The family was in Alaska visiting friends and family. Their sons were active in soccer and baseball and were described as lively and energetic boys. The community has shown immense support, raising over $10,000 through a GoFundMe page to assist with unexpected expenses.
Family friend Stetson Chase provided a statement on Facebook Monday on behalf of Mary Maynard's parents and confirmed that the Troy, Texas, family were onboard when the ship was sinking and have yet to be found.
"Mary, her husband, and 2 sons were lost at sea last night in Alaska after their vessel capsized," Stetson wrote. "I can vouch for many that they were a wonderful, caring, and loving family that deserves to be brought home."
The Coast Guard's Shannon Kearney expressed condolences, stating that their hearts are with the grieving families. The suspension of the search does not mark the end of hope, as new information could potentially revive rescue efforts.
Cassandra Martin, a longtime friend of the Maynards, told KWTX that she's devastated by the news of what happened to the beloved family.
"[It's] hard to believe that this could be real," a heartbroken Martine said. "[Mary] and her husband and her boys are all really beloved members of our community."
