LOS ANGELES, CA – The Coast Guard is assisting local law enforcement in the recovery of a missing body near Santa Cruz Island, March 12, 2012.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department Dive Unit is on scene leading the effort for recovering the missing boater. The Coast Guard Cutter Halibut is also on scene assisting the dive unit in their efforts.

The search began yesterday when a family member of a missing individual contacted the Channel Islands Harbor Patrol. The boaters reportedly left for a fishing trip at 10 a.m. and were due to return at 8 p.m., March 10, 2012. CIHP contacted Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, who initiated a search and rescue case.

A Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter located three bodies near the shoreline of Santa Cruz Island at 12 p.m., yesterday.

Involved in the search was a 47-foot motor lifeboat from Station Channel Islands Harbor, the Coast Guard Cutter Halibut, a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles to search for the men. A Santa Barbara County Sheriff Department helicopter and the Santa Cruz Island Park Rangers also assisted in the search efforts.