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Multiple agencies had been looking for the pair in the water off Hanauma Bay on the eastern side of Oahu
Authorities have been searching for a 49-year-old man and his 16-year-old son after they disappeared while out for a hike in Hawaii.
Multiple agencies had been looking for the pair, whose names have not been disclosed, in the water off Hanauma Bay on the eastern side of Oahu on Tuesday, June 23, the Coast Guard said in a news release.
Family members said the two left their hotel at around 7 a.m. local time earlier that day to explore the Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge Trail, the agency added.
At about 8:45 a.m., a person came across a backpack containing the missing father’s belongings near the trail and contacted police, the Coast Guard said.
Meanwhile, the father’s car was discovered near the trailhead entrance by members of the Honolulu Fire Department.
“After receiving notification from the Honolulu Fire Department at 11:11 a.m.,” the Coast Guard said, “Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.”
The Honolulu Fire Department said the search resumed the following morning of Wednesday, June 24, and employed helicopters, drones, rescue boats and divers. The operation was suspended Wednesday evening and was expected to begin again on Thursday, June 25.
Weather conditions, particularly strong winds, had reportedly been an issue for the searchers.
“Windy, a little bit choppy, especially this time of year,” Capt. Keopele Gowan of the Honolulu Fire Department told Fox-CW affiliate KHON. “Things are all out of our control. Definitely work with what we’re given with these parameters and make the best of it.”
Joe Pomaihealani, a contractor working in the vicinity, spoke to the same outlet about the hiking trail.
“A lot of people who go through this trail basically don’t know how ruthless this hill is, and the heat and stuff,” Pomaihealani said. “You know, a lot of them come up without water, they never did hike, and all of that. They are inexperienced, you know.”
Those with information that could aid in the search efforts are encouraged to contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or the Sector Honolulu command center at 1-800-552-6458.