Hawaii Fire Department crews are in their fourth day of searching for a missing fisherman last seen Friday on the shoreline fronting Malama Flats in Puna.
Hawaii Fire Department crews are in their fourth day of searching for a missing fisherman last seen Friday on the shoreline fronting Malama Flats in Puna.
Rescue crews have found no sign of the 56-year-old man, who was last seen around 9 p.m. Friday, despite aerial, dive and ground searches of the area, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. The department opted to extend the search for a fourth day after discussions with the man’s family.
The aerial search extends approximately 1/2 mile offshore while the underwater search is being conducted fronting the Malama Flats area. Ground crews are scouring the shoreline from Pohoiki to Kaimu beaches.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the man was fishing from a 10-foot cliff near Mackenzie State Recreation Area when witnesses say he was swept to sea after either slipping or being washed off by a wave. He was last seen wearing black rain gear.
Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received notification from the Hawaii Fire Department at 9:40 p.m. Friday and launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, 110-foot patrol boat.
The Coast Guard said Tuesday it had suspended its search for the man on Monday. Coast Guard crews searched more than 959 square miles.