Coast Guard suspends search for missing boaters in Federated States of Micronesia

Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam suspended the search for a missing vessel with nine people aboard in the Hall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Aug. 9, 2026.

At approximately 10 a.m. on July 31, 2026, watchstanders at U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam received notification that a 20-foot skiff traveling within the Hall Island Atoll did not return as scheduled to Ruo Island on July 30.

Coast Guard watchstanders coordinated with local and international partners, issued maritime safety broadcasts and identified available search assets.

The extensive 10-day, multi-partner search covered approximately 25,000 square nautical miles and more than 31 search patterns. 

“We have made the difficult decision to suspend our active search,” said Lt. Adeeb Ahmad, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the missing during this challenging time. We are also extremely grateful to the international and U.S. military partners who worked tirelessly alongside us." 

Assets involved: 

• U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam 

• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vincent Danz (WPC 1162) 

• U.S. Coast Guard C-130 from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Kapolei, Hawaii 

• U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command C-130 from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam 

• Two U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon Aircraft from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan 

• Federated States Ship Tosiwo Nakayama from Pohnpei, FSM 

In addition, two commercial vessels, Fermament Ace and Hikari 1, provided assistance. The vessels are part of the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) System, in which commercial vessels volunteer to assist in high-seas search and rescue operations.  

-USCG-