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Press Release | July 9, 2026

UPDATE: Coast Guard suspends search for overdue paddler near Pinole

U.S. Coast Guard District Southwest Phone: (206) 815-6689

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard suspended its search Wednesday evening for a man who was reported overdue Tuesday evening near Pinole, California.

The search for 70-year-old Tito Montances was suspended pending further information.

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received the initial report of a missing person at approximately 11:45 p.m. Tuesday from the Hercules Police Department and coordinated the launch of multiple Coast Guard crews.

"The decision to suspend a search is never an easy one," said Chief Warrant Officer Michael L. Zapawa, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco. "We appreciate the work of our partners throughout the search efforts, and our hearts are with Mr. Montances’ loved ones."

Montances reportedly left his home at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday in his truck with a canoe. His vehicle was located at Bay Front Park in Pinole.

Coast Guard crews and partner agencies searched more than 280  square miles over 38 combined hours.

 

Assets involved in the search:

Coast Guard Station Golden Gate 

Coast Guard Station Vallejo 

Coast Guard Station San Francisco 

Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco 

Contra Costa County 

Sonoma County 

Naval Air Station Lemoore 

Tiburon Fire Department 

Hercules Police Department 

Hercules Fire Department 

Coast Guard Auxiliary

FBI

Anyone with information about Tito Montances is asked to call Coast Guard Sector San Francisco at (415) 399-3451.

 

-USCG-