Coast Guard searching for 2 possible persons in water off Big Island

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES

12.04.2016

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Wyrick    

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

Honolulu—The Coast Guard received a report of an unmanned, adrift dinghy found offshore of the Big Island, five miles north of Kawaihae and the Kohala district, Sunday.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point and the crew of the USCGC Ahi (WPB 87364) have been launched to search the surrounding areas.

Coast Guard watchstanders from the Sector Honolulu command center received notification from the Hawaii County Fire Department Sunday morning of a 12-foot Zodiac dinghy found adrift offshore by a mariner. Reports were also received of a man and a woman seen by fellow campers using a dinghy matching the description of the one found.

The dinghy has evidence of recent use with two fishing rods, tackle box and fresh fish in the cooler aboard. Owner of the Zodiac is thought to be Derek Liu, and also thought of owning a green Nissan truck with a trailer that has been left at the campsite.


Anyone with information that may help locate the owners of the dinghy is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu command center at 808-842-2600.

Weather conditions on scene are reportedly 8 mph winds with waves at 2 feet and approximately 8 miles of visibility.

• Date Taken: 12.04.2016
• Date Posted: 12.04.2016 20:58
• Story ID: 216378
• Location: HONOLULU, HI, US