Yesterday morning, the Coast Guard suspended its search for 42 year-old Jared Willeford, who went missing off the coast of Hawaiʻi island.
Willeford was last seen launching a yellow kayak from the Keauhou boat ramp at 8:15 a.m. Sunday and paddling offshore.
In total, Coast Guard and partner agency crews searched 4,863 square miles for over 89 combined hours.
In a press release, search and rescue coordinator Lt. Tyler Peterson said, “The decision to suspend a search is one we approach with great care, weighing every factor and aspect of the situation at hand. Our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragic event, especially the family and friends of Mr. Willeford. Big Island residents have faced considerable heartbreak in recent weeks with consecutive cases of people missing at sea, and we recognize the heavy toll these incidents have taken on the entire community.”
Search efforts began after Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders received a report at 10:09 a.m. Sunday from Hawaiʻi County Fire Department dispatchers regarding an unmanned yellow kayak 400 yards offshore Keauhou.
Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and coordinated the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules airplane crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to aid in the search. The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) also joined the search Monday.
