Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Teen Swimmer

Monday’s search for a missing 13-year old boy who failed to resurface after cliff jumping at Hapuna Beach Park concluded with no sign of the teen.

The United States Coast Guard and Hawai’i County Fire Department continued its search, a day after the boy’s disappearance. HFD used a rescue boat, two choppers, and rescue divers to search the nearshore areas of the beach and the adjacent shoreline. The Coast Guard brought in its MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and the crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, based in Hilo.

The Coast Guard announced early Monday evening that it would be suspending its search for the boy. It will, however, provide interagency support to the Fire Department.

“The decision to suspend our active search efforts is always difficult and was not made lightly,” said Capt. Shannon Gilreath, commanding officer for Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.

HFD says it will continue its search Tuesday.