HONOLULU (KHON2) — After canvassing nearly 5,000 square miles of the Kona coast over 89 combined hours, the Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing kayak fisherman.
Jared Willeford, 42, was last seen leaving Keauhou Bay on Sunday, April 27, around 8 a.m.
About two hours later, his kayak was found floating about 400 yards offshore, but Willeford was nowhere to be seen.
The decision to suspend a search is one we approach with great care, weighing every factor and aspect of the situation at hand. Our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragic event, especially the family and friends of Mr. Willeford. Big Island residents have faced considerable heartbreak in recent weeks with consecutive cases of people missing at sea, and we recognize the heavy toll these incidents have taken on the entire community.
Lt. Tyler Peterson, search and rescue mission coordinator
The community said Willeford is considered an expert kayak fisherman and waterman, and even survived a great white shark attack a few years ago.
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He is also the second fisherman to go missing in April off Hawaii Island.