Coast Guard, partners searches for missing jet ski rider off Oahu’s North Shore

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for a missing man in waters off Oahu’s North Shore.

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Officials identified the man as 56-year-old Anthony Empting, who was last seen leaving Haleiwa Harbor Saturday morning on a personal watercraft.

The Coast Guard said a boater later found the unmanned black jet ski drifting about a mile offshore near Dillingham Airfield in Waialua.

The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department personnel responded and found keys still in the ignition, along with a life jacket and personal belongings onboard the watercraft.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders said they received the initial report at about 10:50 a.m. Saturday.

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Search crews launched shortly afterward, including a Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point helicopter crew and the crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak.

The Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Ocean Safety Department are also assisting in the search.

Officials said Empting is approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs about 150 pounds.

Anyone with information that may help the search is asked to contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or call the Sector Honolulu command center at 1-800-552-6458.

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