A BIRTHDAY vacation turned into a tragedy after a family of four got lost at sea after their boat capsized. The Maynard family consisting of husband and wife David and Mary and their two children Colton, 11, and Brantley, 7, were on a dream trip in Alaska from their home in Troy, Texas . On August 3, around 7 pm, the coastguard received a report of a 28ft aluminum vessel with eight passengers onboard taking on water off the coast of Homer.
A nearby ship, the Salty Sea responded to a radio call and managed to rescue four of the eight people on board, however, the Maynards were named as those still missing. Despite a desperate search for the family including multiple vessels, a plane, divers, and a helicopter, the family is still missing and the search was called off on Sunday at 6 pm. Key factors that are considered when calling off a water search include the area covered, the likelihood of survival of those missing, and the water temperature which was 51F when the vessel capsized, Shannon Kearney, public affairs specialist for the US Coast Guard told KCENNews .
read more on boat incidents "Any time we make a decision to suspend a search and rescue case is a very difficult one to make," Kearney said. She added that if any new information comes to light, a search can be continued, noting that at the time of the incident, waves were two feet high and the wind gusts were less than five knots. 'MOMMY LOVES YOU' As relatives, family friends, and neighbors take to Facebook to share their prayers for the family, David's heartbreaking final posts have been revealed.
"After 4 days in Alaska, I FINALLY got to see my first bear!!!!," the 42-year-old excitedly shared on Facebook on July 30. Most read in The US Sun "No picture can ever show just how beautiful this place truly is!!!!!" In the comments, Mary, 37, shared a video of a bear standing on a rock eating a fish. The family went missing just two days before the children were due to go back to school.
At the end of June, the proud father made predictions about his youngest son's future in sport. "Love this picture of Brantley!!!! Shows the look of determination he has," David said , posting an image of his son playing baseball. "Playoffs start Tuesday and we’re excited!!! No matter what sport he plays, he’s going to be one helluva athlete.
" "Mommy loves you!!!," Mary added in the comments as a family friend said that they were "living the good life." 'INDESCRIBABLE VOID' Meanwhile, family friends, and neighbors have said that the town of Troy "has been shaken" by the news of their disappearance. "As our town has been shaken we are asking the community to pull together for the Maynard Family," Facebook user Jennifer York said .
Mary’s parents are still there hoping to bring them home. This family is going through a lot right now. "We don’t know what is ahead for the grandparents but we want to try and lift them up in our prayers and help them financially.
"We are asking for prayers for the family. The Troy Community is one and we never leave one behind." "Oh this is heartbreaking, God please let them be OK," another friend wrote .
"Please find them and bring them home safely. I have known Mary Maynard since 5th Grade. She is an amazing person mother and wife.
"I have had the privilege to meet David Maynard and her 2 boys they are amazing people. Please God bring them home..
." A GoFundMe page was set up on Monday to raise money for the Maynard family. "The Maynards are not just friends, they are family to me and a lot of others," a friend wrote on the page.
"Mary’s parents are still there hoping to bring them home. This family is going through a lot right now. "We are asking for prayers and donations if you can, to help with unexpected expenses that the family would have to cover so suddenly.
"The Maynards left a huge imprint on many people, from the laughter they brought to us, the love and family-oriented connection they provided. Read More on The US Sun "It is indescribable the void that will be left behind but I know if we come together as a family and a community they would know how much they meant to everyone." At the time of writing over $9,000 from the $10,000 target has been raised.
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