Coast Guard suspends search for missing Massachusetts man off Big Island

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES

07.16.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Amanda Wyrick    

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard suspended the search for a missing 24-year-old Massachusetts man after his body was located by Hawaii County Fire Department off Green Sand Beach, Big Island, Monday afternoon.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tim McGhee, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “This is never how a vacation should end.”

After two days of non-stop searching, Hilo Fire Department divers found the man submerged a quarter-mile offshore from Green Sand Beach. 

The Coast Guard conducted a total of 18 searches covering over 566 square miles.

Next of kin were notified and custody was transferred to the Hawaii County Police Department. 

Involved in the search were:

-Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules and MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews

-Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter crew from the Kaneohe Bay-based Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37

-The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126)

-Hawaii County Fire Department helicopter, ground, and SCUBA crews

Saturday evening, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received notification from Hawaii County Fire Department of the initial report regarding the missing man they received from a good Samaritan on the beach.

• Date Taken: 07.16.2019
• Date Posted: 07.16.2019 19:34
• Story ID: 331701
• Location: HONOLULU, HI, US