The families of two Florida boys who went missing at sea are starting a foundation to promote youth boating education.

The families of Perry Cohen and Austin Stephanos announced with great sadness Sunday that they had called off their private search, which included helicopter, plane and boat searches in the waters off Georgia and the Carolinas. The Coast Guard spent the previous week looking for the 14-year-olds who went missing on a fishing trip July 24.

In a statement Sunday, the family said there was no new credible evidence or clues to guide the search, saying they've accepted the harsh reality that it was not practical to continue.

The families say they're starting a foundation to promote youth boating education, including legislative action to enhance boater safety and ways to prevent accidents involving teenage boaters.

 (Copyright (c) 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox