Search launched after empty boat washes ashore in California

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities are searching for a missing man whose empty boat washed ashore in Southern California.

Officials say the 17-foot Boston Whaler was found in Newport Beach Sunday evening, at about the same time authorities received reports of a possible missing person in the water.

Crews in boats and a helicopter began a search for the 48-year-old man, described as about 6 feet tall and 220 pounds, wearing a dark t-shirt and grey shorts. The man was not named.

There was no indication of rough ocean conditions on Sunday.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and police and lifeguards from Newport Beach and Huntington Beach are helping with the search.