A Kentucky couple missing
off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica has attracted very little
media attention outside of their hometown area. Mark and Laura
Vockery of Ashland, Kentucky and three fishermen disappeared last
week while on a fishing trip on a 31-foot boat that was last
inspected in 2001. Local newspapers and television stations such
as WKYT have run extensive coverage. Kentucky Congressman Ben
Chandler was successful in obtaining a "Coast Guard cutter
and a massive C-130 transport plane" to search the Pacific
for the 5 people who are missing.
"We've been working with the Coast Guard and the
embassy and the Overseas Citizens Service," said Loren Carl,
a field representative for Chandler.
The Costa Rican and neighboring Nicaraguan coast guards also are searching as are numerous private fishing and pleasure craft, Carl said.