Mariner who was missing for days is found more than 300 miles off Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - After searching for six days, rescuers finally found a missing mariner and his boat Thursday in waters more than 300 miles off Oahu.

Officials said Philip Grenz was last seen on Sept. 2 when he left Kauai’s Nawiliwili Harbor on his 42-foot sailboat named “Epic.” The 67-year-old was supposed to arrive in Haleiwa, but never made it to the harbor.

Authorities said he was reported missing early Saturday morning.

Multiple agencies on Oahu and Kauai deployed aircrews, including assistance from Ocean Safety and the US Coast Guard to search for the missing mariner. Search crews also scoured 20 harbors, boat ramps and marinas throughout the two islands.

Officials said a Navy Boeing aircrew found Grenz at around 10:30 a.m. He was waving his hands while on the deck of his boat, which had broken down.

An aircrew dropped a rescue kit containing food, water and a radio to Grenz.

He was reported to be in stable condition and was safely transported to Oahu.