Crews search Lake Wylie after missing woman's car found in marina parking lot

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police are looking for a woman after her car was reportedly found in the parking lot of a private marina on Lake Wylie Friday morning.

Vatsla Watkins, 39, disappeared Monday, family members told Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers.

['It's a miracle': Missing Charlotte hiker rescued from Blowing Rock trail]

Sources told Channel 9 the silver, four-door 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230 she was last seen driving was found at Pier 49 Marina on York Road.

A marina worker told Channel 9 the car had probably been there since last Monday. The worker said they noticed it after reports surfaced Thursday about Watkins, and they called the police just before 9 a.m. Friday.

Police and fire officials brought boats to search the lake about 20 yards from the shore and under the Buster Boyd Bridge.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department helicopter was brought in to search from the air and crime scene cadaver dogs to search the ground.

There have been no signs of the missing woman, and police said it would be premature to say what may have happened to her.

Missing persons detectives were at the scene and Channel 9 learned they’ve been in touch with the woman's family to see if anyone knows what may have happened.

Onlookers and boaters said they were concerned as they watched members of Charlotte Fire and CMPD search the area throughout the day.

"So sorry, because this is such a beautiful place. I'm so sorry," onlooker Cathy Metz said.

Watkins stands 5 feet, 4 inches tall and has black hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a black, lightweight jacket and blue jeans.

Call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 if you have information.

Cox Media Group