Coast Guard suspends search for a missing pilot off SC coast

The Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing Air Force pilot off the South Carolina coast Saturday at 10 p.m.

Air Force Capt. Nicholas Giglio’s, of the 20th Fighter Wing of Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., F-16 collided with a second F-16 at approximately 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Shaw AFB contacted the Coast Guard to assist in the search for the missing pilot.

The Coast Guard searched a total of more than 8,000 square-nautical-miles during the more than 48-hour continuous search. Coast Guard search and rescue personnel and equipment from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida participated in the search, which included Coast Guard cutters, C-130 Hercules aircraft, HH-65 Dolphin helicopters, small boats and search and rescue coordinators from Coast Guard command centers. Units from the Air Force, Navy, Charleston area law enforcement and good Samaritans also assisted in the search.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Giglio family during this difficult time, said Capt. Michael McAllister, commander, Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “Deciding to suspend a search is one of the most difficult decisions a sector commander has to make. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Air Force and our other search and rescue partners for their diligence, dedication and support during this search.”