Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Boater 

US Coast Guard map of the search area.

The Coast Guard suspended the search today for a mariner who went missing when his 10-foot skiff reportedly capsized due to high winds approximately a half-mile offshore of the Big Island on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Charles Locklar, 26, remains missing.

“Our crews and partners saturated the area with assets in an effort to locate Locklar and despite our best efforts we were not successful in finding Charles,” said Capt. Michael Long, commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Speaking as a both a Coast Guard officer and a father, suspending a search is a decision that never gets easier. Our sincere condolences go out to Charles’ family and friends during this difficult time. We thank our partner agencies for their professionalism and continued support of search and rescue efforts around the main Hawaiian Islands.”

On-scene assets searched a total area of more than 2,878 square miles, 26 number of searches and deployed three self-locating datum marker buoys over four days.

Involved in the search were:

•  MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point
• Crews of USCGC Kittiwake (WPB-87316) and USCGC Kiska (WPB-1336) from Big Island
• Air and surface assets with divers from the Big Island Fire Department
• Navy MH-60 helicopter aircrews from squadrons at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay

Locklar was reported missing by his uncle after their skiff reportedly capsized prompting the search.

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