USCG Suspends Search for Missing Mariner off Lanai

 

The Coast Guard suspended the search Monday for a missing mariner after the fishing vessel he was aboard capsized approximately one mile west of Lanai.

“Following extensive efforts by sea, air, and land we have decided to suspend the search.” said Capt. Shannon Gilreath, Sector Commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family in this difficult time.”

The Coast Guard conducted an extensive search of the area, conducting 60 sorties, totaling 120 mission hours and covering approximately 4,531 square miles.

Involved in the search were an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, homeported in Hilo, a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Maui as well as a Coast Guard Auxiliary airplane and boat.

Watchstanders at the Sector Hond Center received a mayday call over VHF radio channel 16 from fishing vessel Munchkin stating they ran aground off Lanai with two people aboard. The Coast Guard rescued one man and conducted an extensive search for the second.