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Search suspended for missing big-wave surfer on North Shore


The Coast Guard and the Honolulu Fire Department suspended the search for famed surfer Alec “Ace Cool” Cooke today.

Cooke was reported missing on Wednesday after he failed to return from surfing near Waimea Bay. Cooke’s truck was located at the Mission of Sts. Peter and Paul, with Cooke’s dog and keys still inside. His surfboard was later located and recovered by a friend.

An extensive three-day search covered approximately 8,930 square miles and involved an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Barbers Point, the crews of cutter Kittiwake and a Coast Guard Auxiliary airplane crew. Fire rescue personnel also searched using personal watercraft and a helicopter.

“We’ve suspended several searches recently for folks who’ve gone missing in the water without locating them and it does not get easier,” said Cmdr. Arex Avanni, deputy commanding officerat Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “As with any missing persons search we saturated the area in an attempt to locate Mr. Cooke, but pending further developments, we have decided to suspendthe active search. The Pacific Ocean is very dangerous, especially when we have heavy surf conditions. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.”

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