Nathan Carman, Missing Boater, Found Alive After Eight Days at Sea

Nathan Carman was found alive after being lost at sea for eight days after disappearing during a fishing trip off the coast of Rhode Island. His mother, Linda, remains missing.

Nathan, 22, and his mother were reported missing Sept. 18, after failing to return from a fishing trip, ABC News reported. The U.S. Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the whereabouts of the 54-year-old Connecticut mother.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Nicole Groll told ABC News that the two had left from Point Judith, Rhode Island in a 32-foot aluminum center console boat.

Coast Guard vessels searched an area larger than the state of Georgia, CBS Boston reported. The six-day search was suspended Friday, after the Coast Guard was unable to find the two.

Two days after the search was lifted, a freighter found Nathan alone in a life raft with food and water, located about 100 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard, CBS News noted.

“I was thrilled that they found [Nathan] and then I was devastated that Linda wasn't with him,” said Sharon Hartstein, a family friend of the Carmans, said, according to WTNH-TV. Hartstein added that she and the family are remaining hopeful that Linda will be found.

According to the station, family and friends have hung yellow ribbons and signs on the Carmans' home in an expression of their hope.

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