Families calls off private search for missing teen fishermen

After the Coast Guard’s efforts, the families continued a private search for the teens with volunteers scouring waters off Georgia and the Carolinas by helicopter, plane and boat, according to FOX News.

Sixteen days after two teens went missing during an ocean fishing trip, their families have ended their private search for them, according to a news release.

The boys grew up on the water, constantly boated and fished, worked at a tackle shop together and immersed themselves in life on the ocean.

NFL, Joe Namath, even offered a $100,000 reward for any information leading to the return of the two missing Florida teens.

“We love our boys and want them home”, read a joint statement by each of the teenager’s families.

The families say that their hopes have now become their prayers as they wait for developments.

The last evidence of the missing boys was their overturned 19-foot outboard boat, which the Coast Guard found July 26 off Daytona Beach – two days after the boys disappeared after going out the Jupiter Inlet as thunderstorms moved in. On Saturday, the families decided to call off the search by the Coast Guard and friends who volunteered to help. We express a special debt of gratitude to the Palm Beach community for its generosity and out pouring of love and support.

The families intend to form a youth boating education charity in Austin and Perry’s memory, WPTV reported.

A sign at Tequesta’s First Presbyterian Church reads “Praying for Austin & Perry and their families” Sunday, August 2, 2015, in Tequesta, Fla.

The U.S. Coast Guard searched for one week, officially suspending their search at sunset on Friday, July 31. The foundation will aim to educate young boaters and seek legislative action to enhance boater safety.