A reward of $1,000 has been offered by a local family to anyone that can find a Kill Devil Hills kayaker missing in the Croatan Sound since the weekend.
Alexander Rush, 26, was last heard from Saturday night prior to launching his kayak at the N.C. Wildlife boat ramp adjacent to the William B. Umstead Bridge in Manns Harbor, where his vehicle was found Sunday evening.
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement coordinated the search for Rush since he was reported missing by his wife on Sunday. The formal search was suspended Wednesday evening.
Rush’s kayak was found overturned approximately nine miles southeast of the bridge by a commercial fisherman on Monday.
His wife, Kateryna, asked local mariners and photographers with drones to assist with looking for her husband. The couple married on Oct. 2.
She said her husband is very fit, a good swimmer and knows how to use a kayak. She said Tuesday she’s believing in miracles right now.
“I strongly believe he made it out to the shore,” Kateryna said. “I believe he made it to the land and he’s alive.”
The name of the family that has offered the reward was not released. N.C. Wildlife Sgt. Johnathan Beardsley said they had observed the search and read the Rush family’s appeal for help, which spurred them to post the reward.
The U.S. Coast Guard, N.C. Marine Patrol, Dare County Sheriff’s Office, emergency management personnel from Gates and Hertford counties, and other agencies, along with countless volunteers, combed the waters and shoreline between Roanoke Island and the Dare County mainland for the last three days, according to Beardsley.
“Unfortunately, without better information as to what occurred that caused Mr. Rush to go missing and the time that had passed before he was reported missing,” the formal search was suspended at 4:30 p.m., Beardsley said.
“Though the formal search for Alex has been called off, local Wildlife Officers and Marine Patrol continue to be vigilant as they go about their daily patrols,” Beardsley said.
Beardsley added that if volunteers continue to search, it is strongly recommended that all persons wear a life jacket and contact NC Wildlife with any developments at 800-662-7137 or 252-558-6654.
