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JAMM AQUINO / [email protected]
U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Chris Sena speaks Thursday at Sandy Beach news conference about the search for a missing father and his teenage son who went missing off Hanauma Bay on Tuesday. The search was suspended at sunset today
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JAMM AQUINO / [email protected]
A multi-agency search for a South Korean man and his teenage son who went missing from Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail on Tuesday ended today after four days without any sign of the pair. Shown here, search crews scour the water off Hanauma on Thursday.
The search for a father and son visiting from South Korea who may have been swept into the ocean near the “rock bridge” at Hanauma Bay ended at sunset today.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Honolulu Fire and Ocean Safety departments have been searching since Tuesday by air, land, and sea, but have seen no signs of the 49-year-old man and his 16-year-old son.
Officials said the pair left their Waikiki hotel at about 7 a.m. Tuesday to hike the Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail. Hikers called Honolulu police at about 8:45 a.m. Tuesday after finding an unattended bag near the rock bridge with the man’s personal belongings, including a wallet and phone. The man’s car was also found near the trail entrance.
The USCG, after being notified by HFD at 11:11 a.m., issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a search by helicopter and boat.
“These are tough times,” said USCG Lt. Cmdr. Chris Sena, search and rescue mission coordinator, at a 4 p.m. news conference today. “But I know that these are the best – Honolulu Fire Department, Ocean Safety, along with the U.S. Coast Guard — out here, working together, treating this as if they were our family and we’re looking for our loved ones.”
He said the multi-agency search would be suspended at sunset unless new evidence arises.
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Sena said the Coast Guard covered more than 1,000 miles, or roughly two-thirds the size of Oahu, from Makapuu Point to Barbers Point.
HFD Capt. Keopele Gowan said the department resumed its efforts this morning with 11 units and 25 personnel,cand searched new areas of interest.
“We’d also like to extend our thoughts and our sympathies to the family,” said Gowan. “At the fire department, we understand that some of the most beautiful beaches and hiking trails are on this island. We always want to remind people to be prepared and be safe. Things happen to even the most experienced. In those instances, our mission is to preserve life, safety and along with our partner agencies. We will always respond and always provide aid.”
Ocean Safety personnel covered over 100 coastal miles between Makapuu Point and Maunalua Bay, said spokesperson Christ Latronic. Hanauma Bay lifeguards searched the rock bridge area again today, he said.
“Everybody — visitors, locals — the ocean is dangerous, especially here in Hawaii,” said Latronic. “It can change in an instant. If you’re visiting here, please check in with lifeguards. We know the situation, we know these beaches. We know the areas that are dangerous to lives and we’ll try to keep you safe.”
The Haunama Bay rock bridge is considered a dangerous spot on an unsanctioned trail. The main trail that climbs along a ridge overlooking Hanauma Bay is paved and mostly safe, but some hikers venture off the paved road, and downslope to get closer to the rim.
The rock bridge is featured in several hiking blogs, which warn hikers not to stand on it due to powerful rogue waves that sweep over it.
In February 2018, a 64-year-old man died after being swept into the ocean in the area. In June 2020, a 56-year-old woman also died after being swept off the rocks and into the ocean near the rock bridge.