Search Suspended for Missing Fisherman off Hāna, Maui

Coast guard logo. Maui Now.

The search for a missing fisherman off Hāna, Maui was suspended late Tuesday after responders covered more than 10,200 square miles over the course of two days.

The US Coast Guard responded to the report of the missing man 80 miles north of Hāna on Sunday afternoon.

The master of the 68-foot Kawaiola fishing vessel reported the crewmember went overboard, according to Coast Guard reports.

The missing man was last seen on the deck of the vessel at 2:30 p.m. It wasn’t until later that the crew realized he was no longer aboard and the distress call was made.

“We extend our condolences to the friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” said Petty Officer 1st Class William Cusic, a Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstander. “Our crews worked diligently, but unfortunately there has been no sign of the missing fisherman and the Coast Guard has suspended the active search pending further developments.”

Assets involved in the search were: Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules aircrews; a Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter crew from the Kaneʻohe Bay-based Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37; and the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Kittiwake.

The fisherman is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, and was last seen wearing jeans. Mariners are asked to keep a lookout for signs of distress while passing through the area. Anyone with information is asked to call (808) 842-2600.