'Guide Derek Home': Search For Missing Boater Reaches 7th Day

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — At the east corner of the parking lot at Manasquan Inlet, a man knelt for a moment, head bowed, as flickering prayer candles lit up the board leaning against a fence post in front of him.

A small lantern hung above it helped illuminate a simple message: "Help Guide Derek Home."

In the dark, the red and green navigation lights at the end of Manasquan Inlet flashed and the lights of a boat could be seen sitting just beyond the mouth of the inlet, in the approximate area where the stern of a 31-foot 1987 Aquasport was found on Sunday.

Derek Narby, 21, remains missing after his family's boat was capsized by a wave on Sept. 14. Police tape strung from the corner post behind the memorial remains in place to discourage people from walking down the jetty while New Jersey State Police and other authorities continue to search for him.

New Jersey State Police had no updates on Wednesday evening, saying only that their search for Narby is continuing. Dive teams were outside Manasquan Inlet on Wednesday, News 12 reported, and there were crews searching on the water in the air as far south as Seaside Heights, where pieces of the boat washed ashore on Saturday. Read more: Boat Broke Apart At Manasquan Inlet, Pieces Found In Seaside: NJSP

Friends of Narby, a 2020 graduate of Brick Memorial who was a baseball player in the Brick Little League, have started multiple efforts to honor their friend and support his family.

"Derek Narby was such a beautiful and positive soul who had an unparalleled love for life, and the last anyone would expect to be taken so soon," one friend wrote on a GoFundMe campaign created for Narby's family.

Officials with Brick Little League say the league has set up a tribute book at the Little League complex.

"Our Baseball community is asking for your prayers as the search continues for our son and brother Derek Narby," a message on the league's Facebook page said. "Please stop by the Snack Stand and feel free to leave a note or a picture or write a memory of Derek or some words of love for the Narby Family." The snack stand is open weeknights from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., the league said.

"Please pray that Derek finds his way back to the Community that loves him so much," the Little League message said.

"A lot of people have been asking how they can help and contribute to The Narby Family and that speaks volumes about the character of Derek," the owners of Lenny's Colonial Ranch Meat Market in Point Pleasant, where Narby worked, wrote.

They encouraged others to take part in a community effort to Narby that has been shared on social media, encouraging people to light lanterns — a tribute to missing boaters — outside their homes until he is found.

"Light your Lanterns and help guide Derek home," they wrote.