Air Force Reserve joins recovery efforts for missing boater

  • Published
  • 920th Rescue Wing
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Rescue Reservists from the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing here have joined the recovery efforts for a reported missing boater Thursday, at Lake Jesup, Seminole County, Fla.

Six Guardian Angels equipped with two Zodiac boats, sonar detectors, radios, flashlights and an array of other equipment designed to search remote areas headed to Lake Jesup to aid in the search for missing boater Charles T. Jackson, 26.

Jackson and his friend Jason M. Cobb, 30 were reported missing on December 29 when they did not return home from a boating trip on Lake Jesup. The two men had launched at Lemon Bluff about 5:30 p.m. and drove a boat across the lake to Black Hammock fish camp. The two reportedly left Black Hammock in the boat around 1:30 a.m. December 29, heading back to Lemon Bluff, and hadn't been seen since.

At around 5 p.m. Wednesday, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers searching Lake Jesup found the body of Jason M. Cobb, 30, of Osteen, one of two men who have been missing since Saturday. Cobb's body was found floating near Bird Island in approximately six feet of water.

"We are very appreciative to partner with the 920th Rescue Wing whose members and equipment will supplement the existing resources of the Seminole, Volusia and Orange county sheriff's offices, as well as the FWC. The expertise they bring to the table is invaluable in this search effort and will hopefully help hasten the recovery and bring closure for Mr. Jackson's family and friends," said Capt. Chris Roszkowiak, area supervisor for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Guardian Angels will continue the search until sunset tonight and will resume again at sunrise if needed.

The 920th Rescue Wing performs combat search and rescue as its primary mission, but is also responsible for civil search and rescue, humanitarian relief and support of rocket launches. To date, the unit has saved more than 3,000 lives.

Stay up to date with the 920th Resue Wing at http://www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil. Follow the 920th on Facebook and Twitter