U.S. Coast Guard suspends search for fisherman who went missing off Big Island’s south coast

The U.S. Coast Guard at 3:30 p.m. April 15 suspended its search for missing 42-year-old Kona fisherman Earl “Oa” Hind, who seemingly disappeared with his vessel more than a week ago off the south coast of Hawai‘i Island.

Hind was last seen early the afternoon of April 9 in the vicinity of Kaulana boat ramp in the Miloliʻi area, heading north in his 21-foot Force boat — with a 2-foot extension, white hull, light blue cabin and twin outboard motors — named “Makalapua Onalani.”

“We are deeply saddened to announce that despite widespread efforts, our search for Mr. Hind is now suspended,” said search and rescue mission coordinator Lt. Cmdr. Raphael Sadowitz with U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “We appreciate the tireless work of our partners and the local community and extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Hind’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Hind is reported to have launched April 7 for a fishing trip from a spot in the South Point area.

His and his vessel’s whereabouts remain unknown; however, his truck and boat trailer were found parked near the South Point boat ramp area.

U.S. Coast Guard and partner agency crews had searched 200,048 square nautical miles for more than 242 combined hours by the time the agency suspended its search efforts Tuesday afternoon.

The search began the afternoon of April 10.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report at 2:17 p.m. from Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel about Hind’s disappearance.

Watchstanders directed the launch of a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules airplane crew and MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew while also diverting the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak to aid in search efforts.

Agencies and assets involved in the search since it began:

• U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.
• Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu.
• U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.
• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak.
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 140-03-13.
• Hawai‘i state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
• Hawai‘i Fire Department.
• Hawai‘i Police Department.
• U.S. Naval 3rd Fleet Commander, Task Force 32, Poseidon 8.

Hind’s family and friends remain hopeful that he will still be found.

Read more about their continued hope and search efforts in an upcoming story the morning of Wednesday, April 16, on Big Island Now.