KAILUA-KONA — The search continues this afternoon for missing freediver Guy Hermogila in waters off the North Kohala coast.
Despite the effort by the Hawaii Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard, no sign of the 44-year-old man has turned up.
The Hawaii Fire Department is set to pause search operations at sundown and a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter is set to return around 11 p.m. to Oahu, but Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak will remain on scene searching the waters throughout the night, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Wyrick.
Hermogila was last seen about 11 p.m. Monday by family while camping at “Mosquito Bay,” which is located makai of mile marker 8 on Akoni Pule Highway, according to the Hawaii Fire Department. He was reported missing Tuesday morning.
Hermogila reportedly had gone diving for lobsters the night before off Black Point, a popular dive spot south of Malae Point, but had not returned, according to the Coast Guard.
The man’s dive float was found in the water yards offshore, and some equipment was located on the beach, however, the rest of his gear remained missing, according to the fire department and Coast Guard.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 842-2600.