HFD suspends search for missing jet ski operator off Oahu’s North Shore

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing jet ski operator off Oahu’s North Shore after three days of extensive search efforts.

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

The Coast Guard said search crews covered about 400 square miles over more than 80 combined hours before suspending operations at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

“Suspending search efforts is one of the most difficult operational decisions we make,” said Lt. Tyler Peterson, a search and rescue mission coordinator with Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “We thank our partner agencies who joined the search and offer our sincerest condolences to the individual’s loved ones.”

The search began after Honolulu Ocean Safety Department personnel reported an unmanned black jet ski drifting about a mile offshore near Dillingham Airfield in Waialua around 10:50 a.m. Saturday.

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Officials said keys were still in the ignition, and a life jacket and personal belongings were found onboard the watercraft.

The Honolulu Fire Department resumed search operations Tuesday morning alongside the Coast Guard and Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, conducting coordinated searches by land, air and sea from Kaʻena Point to Waimea Bay.

HFD said the search concluded around 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Ocean Safety Department all assisted in the search efforts.

Read more Coast Guard suspends search for missing jet ski operator off Oahu’s North Shore