Coast Guard suspends search for missing opihi picker off Big Isle
The Coast Guard has suspended a search for a missing 40-year-old man off Honokaa.
The Coast Guard and Hawaii County firefighters launched a search for the man on Thursday. He was reported missing at about 6:35 p.m. Thursday.
Two men were harvesting opihi when a wave swept them offshore, according to a Coast Guard news release. One man managed to swim back to shore and made contact with their friends who were searching for them when they failed to return by a set time.
The fire department rescued the man from the shoreline while the Coast Guard and other fire crews continued the search for the 40-year-old man.
The search spanned 2,011 square miles until the Coast Guard suspended its search at dusk Sunday.
The assets involved in the search included the HC-130 Hercules plane, cutters Walnut and Ahi and MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. The Hawaii County Fire Department’s helicopter and ground crews were also involved in the search.
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“We extended our condolences to his friends and loved ones during this trying time,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Casey Connors, a Sector Honolulu watchstander.
The 40-year-old man was last seen wearing a red long-sleeve shirt with camouflage pants and black backpack. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 842-2600.
