Coast Guard, partners search for missing kayaker off Hawaiʻi Island

The Coast Guard and partner agencies continue their search for a man in the water offshore Hawaiʻi Island. 

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders received a report at 10:09 a.m. Sunday, April 27, from Hawaiʻi County Fire Department dispatchers regarding an unmanned yellow kayak 400-yards offshore from Keauhou.

Missing is Jared Willeford, 42, who was seen launching the kayak at approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday. Willeford’s family members and Hawaiʻi County Fire Department crews confirmed that his truck and trailer are still located at the Keauhou boat ramp. Willeford was last seen wearing orange bib pants.

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.

Anyone with information that may assist in search efforts should contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or call the Sector Honolulu command center at 808-842-2600.