A search is ongoing for two fishermen who apparently were swept off the shore Wednesday night on Big Island.
The Coast Guard, along with Hawaii County fire and police, are conducting the search for James Oyama, 63, and Jay Jara, 37.
“We are working cooperatively with Hawaii County to search the area,” said Charles Turner, command duty officer with Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Anyone with information about the Oyamas that may assist us with the search is asked to call the command center at 808-842-2600.”
Hawaii County dispatch relayed information to the Coast Guard at 7 a.m., reporting the two fishermen were overdue after receiving a report from a family member at 5:46 a.m. today.
The men reportedly went fishing at 5 p.m. in street clothes Wednesday at Whittington Beach Park on the southeast side of the island, and were expected back before midnight.
Responders located the fishermen’s vehicle in the beach park and their gear onshore in the breaking surf zone.
Weather is reported as light winds and excellent visibility with 5- to 7-foot surf near shore.
Hawaii County and Coast Guard aircraft are participating in the search.