Coast Guard, partners searching for missing swimmer off Molokai

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES

10.04.2019

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew West 

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard, Maui Police Department, Navy and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources are searching for Carl Steffler, 66, off of Kaunakakai, Thursday. 

“Mr. Steffler was last seen on security footage swimming 750 yards off the Kaunakakai pier,” said Lt. j.g. Seth Gross, a Sector Honolulu command duty officer. “He is described as being 6 foot 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 210 pounds. Anyone with information is requested to contact us at 808-842-2600.”

Currently engaged in the search:

An Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew
The Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) crew
The Coast Guard Cutter Kittiwake (WPB 87316) crew
Maui Police and Fire Department ground crews
Department of Land and Natural Resources ground crews
Jet ski operators from the Maui County Fire Department
Maui County divers
Maui County Fire Department Air 1 helicopter aircrew
An Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules aircrew (scheduled)
A Coast Guard Air Auxiliary pilot
A Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 MH-60R Seahawk helicopter aircrews (scheduled)

At 10:30 p.m., Thursday, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from the Maui Police Department stating Steffler’s belongings were found on the Kaunakakai pier. Upon reviewing security footage from the area, Maui County Police officers reportedly saw Steffler swimming offshore but not returning and deployed teams to search the area. 

Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice to mariners and deployed asset crews to assist. 

The weather on scene is winds of 17 mph and seas up to 6 feet.

• Date Taken: 10.04.2019
• Date Posted: 10.04.2019 22:59
• Story ID: 346171
• Location: HONOLULU, HI, US