Rhianna Benson
Authorities in Alaska have issued a heartbreaking statement on the disappearance of a Texas family whose boat capsized in freezing waters.
The Maynard family - which consisted of mum Mary, dad David, and sons Colton, 11, and Brantley, seven - were last seen alive by Coast Guard Travis Magee on Saturday 3 August upon on a 28ft aluminium vessel, along with four other passengers.
The Coast Guard representative subsequently told Anchorage Daily News that the colossal boat began taking on water at around 7pm, after travellers inside made a call to officials for help via radio broadcast.
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By the time that a rescue team arrived, the watercraft had capsized and sunk to the bottom of the rough seas.
The four other passengers were recovered from nearby a lifeboat, which was attempting to navigate the colossal waves - which were reported reaching heights of two feet at the time - crashing into it.
Thankfully, the four passengers didn't present any injuries.
Tragically, however, the Maynards were nowhere to be seen.
The Coast Guard launched a search for the missing family within the area, using a helicopter, plane, cutter and two other vessels in the hope of locating them.
Samaritan boats also joined the search, as well as Alaska Wildlife Troopers.
Sadly, however, after just over 24 hours, the search was called off, with police expecting the worst fate to have befallen the family of four.
The Coast Guard subsequently released a statement explaining their decision.
Petty Officer, Shannon Kerney told KCEN-TV: "Any time we make a decision to suspend a search and rescue case is a very difficult one to make.
"Cases that are suspended, they're only suspended pending the development of new information.
"If anything comes to light, any new information that we get, we're more than happy and willing to go out and continue our search.
"Our hearts are definitely with the families right now as they grieve."
Since then, Christi Wells - a friend of the family - has issued an emotional tribute on behalf of Mary Maynard's parents.
Christi noted that their sons Colton and Brantley loved playing football, travelling and spending time with their family and friends.
Another friend of the family, Stetson Chase also told the Daily Mail: "I kindly ask for prayers from everyone possible.
"While we may not have been best friends, we just knew each other through sports and our kiddos, I think I can vouch for many that they were a wonderful, caring and loving family that deserves to be brought home."