Marin authorities suspend search for missing fisherman

Authorities have called off a search for a Marin fisherman who went missing after setting out on the water on Christmas Day.

Will Chebib, 32, launched his boat from the Black Point dock in Novato on Sunday morning and never returned, according to the Marin County sheriff’s Search and Rescue unit.

Chebib was believed to be fishing in San Pablo Bay near China Camp State Park in San Rafael, authorities said. His last phone contact was reportedly made around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, authorities said.

Chebib’s white 14-foot fishing boat named Lil LB was discovered near Point San Pablo around 11:30 a.m. Monday morning by Marin County sheriff’s officials, the agency said. Chebib was not aboard. He has not been located.

The Coast Guard conducted an air and water search Sunday and Monday.

A crew of 30 members of the Marin search and rescue unit were enlisted Monday to search the shoreline on foot and on electric-assist bicycles.

Two jet skis from the Marin County Fire Department water rescue team also were deployed, along with the sheriff’s marine patrol boat, authorities said.

The land-based search and rescue unit dealt with cold temperatures, fog and low visibility, said Michael St. John, the team’s unit leader.

While the conditions were challenging, rain was not falling during the land-based search.

Those on foot patrol reached the difficult-to-access shoreline in areas from the Black Point Marina in Novato to as far south as the Marin Rod and Gun Club in San Rafael, St. John said.

“It’s an unfortunate, difficult situation,” St. John said.

The search and rescue team and the U.S. Coast Guard suspended the search on Monday.