Coast Guard suspends search for fisherman who went missing off Keauhou

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for a fisherman who went missing off the Kona Coast on Sunday.

Jared Willeford, 42, was last seen launching a yellow kayak from the Keauhou boat ramp at 8:15 a.m. Sunday and paddling offshore. The watercraft was found a couple of hours later, unmanned, 400 yards offshore of Keauhou.

The Coast Guard and partner agencies searched 4,863 square miles for over 89 combined hours. In that time, Coast Guard officials confirmed finding a Croc-style shoe that was believed to belong to Willeford.

“The decision to suspend a search is one we approach with great care, weighing every factor and aspect of the situation at hand,” said Lt. Tyler Peterson, search and rescue mission coordinator, Sector Honolulu. “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.”

Weather conditions Sunday morning consisted of 11 mph winds and 1-foot seas.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and coordinated the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules airplane crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to aid in the search. The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) also joined the search Monday.

Involved in the search:

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu

Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point

Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry (WPC 1124)

Hawaii County Fire Department

Hawaii Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement