MEDIA RELEASE

The Coast Guard and Honolulu County Fire Department are searching for a possible missing fisherman near the break wall in Hilo on the Big Island, Wednesday (Dec 14).

Coast Guard aircrews from Air Station Barbers Point aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules airplane have been launched in addition to the USCGC Galveston Island (WPB-1349). The fire department has ground crews searching the shore and expect to launch a boat crew and helicopter at first light.

Watchstanders and Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received notification just before 5 a.m. from Honolulu County Fire Department of a possible person in the water off the Hilo break wall.

The Coast Guard has issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast requesting the assistance of mariners in the area to keep a sharp look out and report any sightings to command center watchstanders at 808-842-2600.

Weather conditions in the area are forecast as winds 17 mph with wind waves at 4 feet and swell to 9 feet. There is a slight chance of showers in the morning. A high surf advisory is in effect for east facing shores of all main Hawaiian Islands.