CUSHING – Cushing Fire Dept. was called upon for a possible search and rescue, Friday night, Oct. 18, 2024 after a man was five hours overdue to a family gathering.

CFD was called at 6:49 p.m. to stage at its station while the sheriff’s office checked a house on Read Lane, which is off of Gaunt Neck Road, along the edge of Hornbarn Cove.

Donald McBeth, 83, of Vero Beach, Florida, and seasonal resident of Cushing, was supposed to take oysters to the gathering.

But, after a five-hour wait, people grew concerned and went to went to the property. There, he found the deliverer’s vehicle in the drive and the oysters near the dock. However, the person and the skiff were absent, prompting the concerned person to report his unease to authorities.

While the deputy checked the property, the Cushing Fire Chief corresponded with Friendship FD in reference to usage of Friendship FD’s boat, Marine 1. However, by 8 p.m., the situation had changed and the boat sent back to its home port, via the trailer it came in on.

Marine Patrol is now investigating McBeth's death after his body was found near the shore by fire and EMS personnel.

His body was transported to Augusta for an autopsy.

Multiple agencies were utilized for this case. CFD and FFD. KCSO. Verizon, which attempted to track the cell phone to the nearest Verizon tower. As well, Marine Patrol was informed, and Knox Regional Communications was involved throughout.