USS Theodore Roosevelt

The U.S. Navy called off its search for a sailor missing from aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) after the crewmember reportedly fell overboard off the coast of Southern California.

Search and rescue efforts ended at sunset Saturday after Theodore Roosevelt, USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Charleston (LCS 18), USS Portland (LPD 27) the U.S. Coast Guard and both fixed and rotary wing air assets searched more than 607 square nautical miles for more than 55 hours, the Navy said.

The sailor’s family was notified prior to ending the search efforts, and the Navy has changed the sailor’s status to deceased.

USS Theodore Roosevelt initiated search and rescue procedures Thursday after a lookout spotted what appeared to be a person in the water. Three search and rescue helicopters and a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) were initially launched in response, and one sailor was unaccounted for during a commandwide muster.

The incident remains under investigation.

“The loss of our sailor is felt deeply by all on board,” said Capt. Eric Anduze, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “The entire Theodore Roosevelt team sends our deepest condolences to the family of our missing shipmate.”

Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, said, “The Carrier Strike Group Nine team sends our thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of our missing shipmate. I offer my thanks to all the Sailors and Coast Guardsmen who were involved in the search.”