Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeFire crews call off search for missing kayaker
Member Center:
Capt. Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department
Russell Yoshida
By Minna Sugimoto - bio | email
WAIALUA (HawaiiNewsNow) - After three days of intense searching, Honolulu fire crews have called off the search for a missing kayaker.
It was a trying Thanksgiving Day for Russell Yoshida's family and friends, as they huddled on a Waialua beach Thursday.
The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for the Waialua resident Wednesday night. This was the third and final day of the mission for Honolulu fire crews.
With the North Shore surf subsided, fire rescue teams returned to the water on jet skis and with dive gear to look for any sign of Russell Yoshida.
"We appreciate the interest from the public. There's been so much outpouring of support for the family," Capt. Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department, said. "Our hearts go out to them in this difficult time."
The 53-year-old avid fisherman took off on his 10-foot, plastic yellow kayak Monday and failed to return home that night.
Earlier this week, searchers found Yoshida's paddle, fishing rod and other items, but not his kayak. On this Thanksgiving Day, family, friends and others watched the operation from shore.
"That makes it especially difficult for the family at this time of year. Any time would be terrible," Seelig said. "We're dedicated to serving them and continuing this. You know, we're hopeful still."
The waves were smaller but the water was murky, creating another challenge for the determined crew.
"Looking for anything that would show a sign of where best to look next," Seelig said.
Yoshida is a city utility worker and devoted church member.
On Wednesday night, the Coast Guard said, "It is with a heavy heart that we suspend this search...we simply do not have anywhere else to look. Our hearts and thoughts are with Russell's family and friends."
"We know that there's a lot of aloha for this family and for Mr. Yoshida from the community," Seelig said. "He's well-known, well-respected, and sometimes bad things happen to good people."
Again, fire officials announced Thursday night that their search for Yoshida is over, unless new information comes in.
Copyright 2009 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Comments Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. Notify us of any inappropriate comments by clicking the “Mark as Offensive” link. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
One person is dead after a rental car plunged off a cliff and burst into flames in Leeward Oahu Saturday night. A passer-by reported seeing More>>
A man is hospitalized after being pinned underneath a van that crashed. It happened at a construction site on Skyview Loop in the... More>>
Crews have fixed a broken water pipe in the Wahiawa town area on Sunday. Water has also been restored to all affected businesses. The Board of More>>
A motorcyclist was in critical condition with a head injury, after a crash on the H-1 Freeway Sunday afternoon. It happened on the east-bound side near the University off-ramp... More>>
Hawaii's leaders react to the passing of former Congressman and broadcaster Cec Heftel. Heftel died Thursday... More>>
Safety. That's what Hawaii Toyota dealers say comes first after a massive nationwide recall of some of its vehicles, all involving sticky gas More>>
A somber memorial was held Friday to honor a young woman who died at a McDonald's drive-thru. About 30 of Raelynn Adam's friends and family... More>>
Frank Fasi, who served as Honolulu mayor longer than any other person, died Wednesday night... More>>
Viewers fondly remember "The Mayor". Please send us your memories of Mayor Frank Fasi... More>>
The search for a missing Oahu real estate agent intensified Tuesday, after his car was located on Oahu's... More>>
>
