Community holds candlelight vigil for missing boaters - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Community holds candlelight vigil for missing boaters

  • More WALB News10 HeadlinesMore News Headlines

  • Thursday, June 20 2013 12:09 AM EDT2013-06-20 04:09:02 GMT
    The Albany Water Gas and light commission is preparing customers for a change that starts soon for those who pay with debit or credit cards.   WG&L leaders say the utility is paying $20,000 dollars a month
    The Albany Water Gas and light commission is preparing customers for a change that starts soon for those who pay with debit or credit cards.

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:41 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:41:18 GMT
    An Albany man who was born when Woodrow Wilson was president celebrated his birthday today. Century Pines Assisted Living Center threw a party for resident Charles Walker who turned 101 today. Walker was
    An Albany man who was born when Woodrow Wilson was president celebrated his birthday today.

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:34 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:34:54 GMT
    For years, the area right across the street from the RiverQuarium has been rundown, but that's changing. A couple of businesses are thriving there. The new art park is open, and a sidewalk improvement
    For years, the area right across the street from the RiverQuarium has been rundown, but that's changing.
    •   

November 17, 2003

Valdosta - Sunday night, the community held a candlelight vigil for the four friends who set sail from Keaton Beach and never returned. The Coast Guard searched for the boaters for one week, but found no sign of survivors.

Hundreds of candles burned brightly in memory of four friends. "We've had a lot of support and all we can do now is be here for each other and know we'll get through this, said Amelia Player, Amanda's Sister.

Friends and family said good bye to 24-year-old Matthew Hutchinson, 23-year-old Jeremiah Giffin, 20-year-old Amanda Player, and 38-year-old Dominic Barros. Their 20 foot Seacraft was found capsized in the Gulf of Mexico last week, but the Coast Guard found no sign of the boaters. "I don't need proof, I know my son was out there doing something he loved, and I'm at peace with that," said Danny Hutchinson, Matthew's Father.

The vigil is a way to mourn their losses and say good bye, but also a chance to say thanks. "If it wasn't for the prayers of the people in this community lifting us up while we were down there waiting, we would have never made it through this," said Hutchinson. "So many people came down there to help us search, brought out there own boats, and it means so much," said Dell Player, Amanda's Father.

And these families take comfort knowing their loved ones are at peace and they'll see them again someday soon.

Individual memorial services for the boaters will be held this week.

posted at 9:15 by ashley.harper@walb.com