EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard said it has suspended its search for a missing kayaker along the North Carolina coast.

The maritime service said in a news release Saturday that rescue crews had searched an area of 268 square miles for about 24 hours. The Coast Guard said that Warren Liner was reported missing in the area of Bogue Inlet, which is near Emerald Isle.

Liner was last seen on Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park. The 73-year-old's kayak was found on Bear Island Friday afternoon.

The search for Liner began Friday after an Onslow County dispatcher received a call from the man’s wife that he had not returned from a kayaking trip.