The search for a missing 69-year-old woman who went missing while diving near Puako Beach ended Saturday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The search for a missing 69-year-old woman who went missing while diving near Puako Beach ended Saturday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Diana Wolking was last seen by others at the beach just before sunset Wednesday entering the water with scuba gear. At 7:20 p.m., the good Samaritans reported Wolking had not exited the water.
Coast Guard watchstanders immediately launched a Dolphin helicopter crew and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast requesting the assistance of any mariners in the area. Involved in the search were the Hawaii Fire Department, and the Coast Guard’s HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, USCGC Kittiwake crew and Coast Guard Auxiliary airplanes and personnel.
The assets searched approximately 3,900 square miles and deployed three self-locating datum marker buoys. However, no sign of the woman was found.
“To suspend an active search and rescue case without definitive resolution is one of the most difficult decisions to make,” said Capt. Shannon Gilreath, commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “We saturated the area in an attempt to locate Ms. Wolking, but pending further developments, we have decided to suspend the active search. Our prayers go out to her loved ones.”