KAILUA-KONA — The Coast Guard suspended its search for missing fisherman Charles Locklar on Tuesday after three days of fruitless effort.
The Hawaii Fire Department collaborated with the Coast Guard throughout the search, which began Saturday night after Locklar’s 10-foot skiff reportedly capsized about a half mile off the shore of Lapakahi State Park.
All told, search and rescue crews covered nearly 3,000 square miles.
“Our crews and partners saturated the area with assets in an effort to locate Locklar, and despite our best efforts, we were not successful in finding Charles,” said Capt. Michael Long, commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, in a press release. “Speaking as both a Coast Guard officer and a father, suspending a search is a decision that never gets easier. Our sincere condolences go out to Charles’ family and friends during this difficult time.”
Locklar, 26, was accompanied on the fishing boat by his uncle, Jesse Sparks, who made it safely to shore.
Locklar relocated to Hawaii Island approximately six weeks ago from Phoenix. He was living with family, including Sparks, in Hawi.