Here's the latest on Jim Gray, the noted Microsoft researcher who has been missing at sea since the weekend: The U.S. Coast Guard has announced plans to end the search tonight if it's unable to find him. Microsoft issued this statement today from Rick Rashid, the senior vice president in charge of Microsoft Research:

"Jim is a friend, a colleague, and a man I deeply respect for his contributions to the field of computing -- and to Microsoft. The huge outpouring of concern -- and offers to help in any way with the search -- by his friends and colleagues around the world are a tribute to the impact that Jim has on all of us. Although we're concerned for his whereabouts, we remain optimistic and hopeful for Jim's safe return.

"The extensive efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard, in conducting this search, is very much appreciated. They deserve great praise for their thoroughness and diligence."

Ed Lazowska, a professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Washington and a friend of Gray, said the missing man's colleagues are organizing a private search effort beginning today analyzing high-resolution aerial photographs with special, computer-assisted scanning techniques.

"This is an unbelievable mystery, in addition to a tragedy," Lazowska said. "How does a 40-foot red sailboat disappear off the face of the earth? ... Jim's a very capable, very cautious guy. I can't imagine what could have happened."

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