Possible Missing Diver Near Diamond Head

The Coast Guard is searching for a possible missing diver approximately one mile south of Diamond Head, Oahu.  

Possible Missing Diver Near Diamond Head
The Coast Guard is searching for a possible missing diver approximately one mile south of Diamond Head, O’ahu, April 20, 2014. The Coast Guard advises the public to register and label all watercraft and equipment with contact information in order to quickly account for owners and prevent any unnecessary searches.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received notification from the passenger vessel Sea Fox stating that they found a red dive flag and buoy with green line attached approximately one mile south of Diamond Head.

The Sea Fox monitored the area and no one appeared to be in distress on the surface or in the immediate area.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point was launched to the scene to search for anyone possibly in distress.

The Coast Guard advises the public to label all watercraft and equipment with contact information in order to quickly account for owners and prevent any unnecessary searches.

Through the Operation Paddle Smart program, the Coast Guard offers a free “If Found” decal to be placed in a visible location on watercraft. The information on the sticker can allow response entities to quickly identify the vessel’s owner and aid in search and rescue planners in determining the best course of action.

The stickers can be obtained for free at local harbormasters, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, from Honolulu Sail and Power Squadron offices and at select marine retail and supply stores.

Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the dive float is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center.

Press Release, April 22, 2014; Image: U.S. Coast Guard