Rescue teams battle against time, Gulf Stream in search for overdue firefighters who left Port Canaveral Friday

Rescue workers searching for two missing firefighters lost at sea said they are in a battle against the formidable Gulf Stream and weather as they push north to find the pair.  

The various search-and-rescue agencies were expected to discuss late Wednesday how to continue their efforts, as family members recruit boaters and other volunteers to help with finding the men. 

"At this point our search is becoming quite extensive. As we pointed out the other day we are in a race against time," said Capt. Mark Vlaun, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard's Jacksonville Sector, during a televised press conference early Wednesday. 

"The drift ... the Gulf Stream is working against us," he said, adding that the water beneath some of the search fields is moving further to the north and expanding outward. 

Brian McCluney, 38, a Jacksonville firefighter who grew up in Cocoa, and 33-year-old Justin Walker, a firefighter from Fairfax, Virginia, who grew up in Vero Beach, were reported missing 6 p.m. Friday after they failed to return to Port Canaveral from a fishing trip.

More:Missing boater grew up in Cocoa; mom remains optimistic as search continues

More: Missing boater Justin Walker grew up in Vero Beach; family on edge

Both men had family and friends in Brevard, Indian River and St. Lucie counties awaiting their return Friday night.

Since the weekend, family members have combed beaches, searching for any signs from the 24-foot Robalo boat used for the leisure trip in the fish-rich waters of the 8A Reef about 30 miles to the east of Brevard County. 

The massive search continued Wednesday with 100 volunteers working out of Jacksonville, Brunswick, and Savannah, working on 32 boats. There were 50 searchers in South Carolina.

More:Search continues for missing firefighters lost at sea

So far, only a tackle bag from the pair's boat has been recovered, located in St. Augustine.

People lost at sea typically deal with a number of factors, from the blazing sun to whether there is adequate drinking water. Both men have been described by family as being resourceful. 

The FBI was also offering assistance along with various local agencies, including Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

The Coast Guard continued Wednesday to canvas the Atlantic shoreline, combing through trash and debris fields from northern Brevard to the Carolinas.

The area of coverage has surpassed 69,000 square miles. The search is now going into its sixth day.

Stephanie McCluney, who has connections to Merritt Island, posted on Facebook that she is focusing on prayer. 

"I will not (lose) faith or hope, though," McCluney wrote. 

Fundraiser planned

When: Friday 3 to 7 p.m.

Where: Sonny's BBQ Viera, 150 Sheriff Drive

Why: Joe Stagliano, one of the store owners,  wants to raise money for the families of Brian McCluney and Justin Walker, "just to do something for them."

What: $5 cash for a pulled pork sandwich, bag of chips and an iced tea. All of the money raised will go to the families of the firefighters to use as they see necessary. Anyone who wishes to donate to the families can also do so through www.jfrd.com. 

Contact Gallop at 321-242-3642, jdgallop@floridatoday.com and Twitter @JDGallop