The family and friends of missing Sea Tow boat Captain David McAuliffe watched and waited for several hours Sunday... as salvage crews worked to bring his boat, the Cape Hatteras, up from the Ocean floor and tow the vessel back to shore in Longport.

Crews plan to raise the Hatteras out of the water Monday and perform an inspection to try determine exactly what happened that caused the boat to sink so quickly after leaving Atlantic City’s Farley State Marina Tuesday morning headed for Somers Point.

McAuliffe was the only person aboard. After searching for him extensively last week, McAuliffe is presumed dead by the Coast Guard.

Because the boat had to be pulled ashore using floatation devises, it won't be known if McAuliffe's body is aboard until the vessel is raised.

Approximately 30 friends and family watched from shore yesterday hoping for closure in the disappearance of their loved one. Just imagine what a hard day that must have been for them.

To help the family, a fundraising effort called  the David C. McAuliffe Memorial Fund has been set up at Giveforward.com.

The appeal asks for your help with the families' expenses,"David leaves behind his loving wife, Lynsey and a daughter, Samantha. David was a devoted husband, son, father and brother. He was loved by all who knew him and has touched many lives over the years.

Your thoughtful gift will help ease the financial burden of this tragedy for David's family."

 

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