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Press Release | April 30, 2025

Coast Guard suspends search for man in water off Hawaii

Coast Guard District 14 External Affairs - Office: (808) 535-3230 / After Hours: (808) 265-7748

HONOLULU – The Coast Guard suspended its search at 10 a.m. Wednesday for a man in the water who went missing off the coast of Hawaii. 

Missing is Jared Willeford, 42, who was last seen launching a yellow kayak from the Keauhou boat ramp at 8:15 a.m. Sunday and paddling offshore.    

In total, Coast Guard and partner agency crews searched 4,863 square miles for over 89 combined hours.  

"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." 

Search efforts began after Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders received a report at 10:09 a.m. Sunday from Hawaii County Fire Department dispatchers regarding an unmanned yellow kayak 400 yards offshore Keauhou, Hawaii. 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 

 

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-USCG- 

sar hawaii Kayak USCG

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