The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a possible missing person in the area of Champagne Pond in Puna.
The search for Logan Whitfield of Canada, 31, was suspended Tuesday evening after responders conducted 18 searches covering 413 square miles over two days without locating the missing man.
“We express our deepest sympathy to the Whitfield family and friends,” said Chief Warrant Officer Gene Miller, a command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “It’s incredibly difficult when there’s no closure in finding your loved one. The Coast Guard has suspended the active search pending new updates.”
At 9:15 p.m. Sunday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center received a call from Whitfield’s mother who said she had last saw her son headed to go swimming in the vicinity of Champagne Pond at 6 p.m. She notified the Coast Guard when he did not return several hours later, as previously agreed.
An urgent marine information broadcast notice to mariners was issued requesting boaters in the area to keep a sharp lookout.
Whitfield is described at 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 170-180 pounds, with short black hair and a goatee. He was last seen wearing black swim trunks, a black T-shirt, water shoes and had a black mask and snorkel.
Anyone with information of Whitfield’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Coast Guard at 842-2600.