HFD to continue search for missing kayaker, Coast Guard suspends search

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Big Island, state and U.S. Coast Guard personnel on Friday failed to turn up any sign of a 66-year-old fisherman whose unmanned kayak was found Thursday morning floating in waters about 50 yards offshore of Kawaihae Harbor in South Kohala.

Steven Wycoff was last seen about 10 a.m. fishing from his green kayak off the Kawaihae coast by passing boats, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. His unmanned kayak was found around 11 a.m. Thursday floating about 50 yards offshore and about 300 yards north of the mouth of the harbor, according to the Hawaii Fire Department.

The Hawaii Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard and state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement searched all-day Friday, but found no sign of Wycoff.

Wycoff is described as 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. He was last seen wearing black shorts and a fishing shirt.

HFD will resume search efforts at first light on Saturday, said West Hawaii Battalion Chief Ty Medeiros.

The Coast Guard suspended its search for Wycoff at sunset Friday.