Search called off for missing Lake Erie boater from Toledo

ERIE TOWNSHIP, Mi. (WNWO) -- The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended a search for a boater in western Lake Erie, a day after he didn't return from a trip to Turtle Island, Ohio.

The Coast Guard says a 250-square-mile search by air and boat failed to locate 35-year-old Brenton Burton of Toledo. The search was called off around dusk on Tuesday.

Cmdr. Kevin Floyd says the decision is "one of the most difficult to make."

Burton's phone was last used at 11:30 p.m. Monday. An overturned boat and gas tank were discovered Tuesday morning.

Michigan authorities say Burton launched a 14-foot boat off Halfway Creek in Monroe County's Erie Township. He told people that he was headed to Turtle Island.

Erie Township Police Chief Dean Ansel told NBC 24 that a motor with a gas tank attached was also found in the water on Tuesday. Crews also located a life vest floating in the water. He said the water temperature is very cold, despite mild air temperatures.

Family members say Burton is a seasoned boater.

Chief Ansel says while the water search has been called off, crews continue to search for clues on land and along the shoreline. They ask that anyone who has information or remembers seeing anything unusual to call 734-243-7070.

(The Associated Press contributed to this article.)