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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two men who went fishing early Monday morning didn't return at their usual time by Monday night, so the daughter of one of the men called the U.S. Coast Guard.

"The gentlemen left from this marina yesterday morning at 5:30 a.m.," Commander Tad Drozdowski, U.S. Coast Guard, said. "According to one of the family members, they're usually done fishing by about 7:30 p.m."

That family member found the vehicle her father and his friend drove to Edgewater Marina still parked there. Her calls went straight to voicemail.

She called the Coast Guard around 9:30 p.m. Monday, and they immediately began a search of Lake Erie for the missing fishermen. The Cleveland Division of Police, Lakewood Fire Department, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources also joined in the search.

Drozdowski said the mens' cell phones last pinged around 9:10 a.m. Monday.

One of the missing men has been identified as Larry Love. The family of the other man requested his name be withheld, Drozdowski said.

Both are off-duty RTA employees, according to RTA.

According to the Coast Guard, the men were on a 22-foot white Starcraft with green trim.

"We're using all the resources we can to find these gentlemen," Drozdowski said.

The Coast Guard said it was using a 45-foot response boat with a crew from the Station Cleveland Harbor. An airplane and helicopter from Canada was also assisting in the search. Another helicopter from Air Station Detroit was en route to assist in the search.

"I understand there is rain coming but we're going to do our best through the weather conditions," Drozdowski said.

Hope they are found ok.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A man who was found alive in Lake Erie on Tuesday told the Coast Guard that his friend died at around 5 a.m. this morning. He says he held onto his friend for several hours before letting go.

The ODNR is now in charge of the recovery mission.

One of the men was found alive on top of the missing boat, 16 miles offshore from the marina. He was lifted from the boat via helicopter. He originally said he lost sight of the second fisherman at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, but while being interviewed in the hospital, he said his friend died this morning. He also said big waves led to the boat turning over.

The two men didn't return at their usual time by Monday night, so the daughter of one of the men called the U.S. Coast Guard.

"The gentlemen left from this marina yesterday morning at 5:30 a.m.," Commander Tad Drozdowski, U.S. Coast Guard, said. "According to one of the family members, they're usually done fishing by about 7:30 p.m."

That family member found the vehicle her father and his friend drove to Edgewater Marina still parked there. Her calls went straight to voicemail.

She called the Coast Guard around 9:30 p.m. Monday, and they immediately began a search of Lake Erie for the missing fishermen. The Cleveland Division of Police, Lakewood Fire Department, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources also joined in the search.

Drozdowski said the mens' cell phones last pinged around 9:10 a.m. Monday.

Both men are off-duty RTA employees, according to RTA.

According to the Coast Guard, the men were on a 22-foot white Starcraft with green trim.

The Coast Guard said it was using a 45-foot response boat with a crew from the Station Cleveland Harbor. An airplane and helicopter from Canada was also assisting in the search. Another helicopter from Air Station Detroit was en route to assist in the search.

We will continue to bring you updates as they come in.

Read that, very sad to lose a good friend in such a terrible way.
RIP

Absolutely horrible situation for everyone. As we all gain experience on our dangerous lake we become a little complacent. We should all try and learn from these disastrous outcomes. I know I have survived from being in situations that I should not of been out in. Unfortunately not everyone gets a second chance. We all need to lose the it won't happen to me attitude. As the fall approaches the lake becomes more dangerous. Be safe everyone.

Very sad story alright. I can't imagine. He watched his friend die and held on to him for several hours and then had to let go. Meanwhile, wondering how the hell he's gna make it...Bless all involved.