An extensive multi-agency search operation is currently in progress for a paddler after his single-person outrigger canoe was found adrift near Kailua Beach Park, according to reports by Hawaii News Now and KITV4 Island News. The Honolulu Fire Department was alerted yesterday morning and promptly initiated a shoreline and ocean search, following a 911 call at approximately 9:30 a.m.
The missing man was identified by his family as Jon Naeole, who is known to paddle often with others; however, this time he set out alone yesterday morning and failed to return, as reported by KITV4 Island News. A foil surfer later found a paddle floating in the water, which was retrieved by the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department. The discovery of the unoccupied canoe approximately 200 yards from Flat Island near Kailua Beach Park ensued a broad search involving the Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Ocean Safety, the Coast Guard, two teams from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, a boat from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter
Family members, including Naeole’s cousin Mea Mitchell, were at the scene, expressing gratitude for the search efforts and seeking any additional witnesses. "We just want to thank anybody that is a part of this operation, and if there was anybody here this morning that maybe have saw him... that would be helpful as well," Mitchell told Hawaii News Now. The search is said to encompass an extensive amount of area, from Bellows Air Force Station to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, with Naeole’s family holding onto hope, given his swimming ability and knowledge of the local waters.
Efforts continued relentlessly throughout the day, by land, air, and ocean with the Hawaiian agencies coordinating closely to trace Naeole's path a focused search radiated outward from the canoe’s location. As the light faded, the search operation was put on hold just after 6 p.m. with plans to resume the following morning, the Coast Guard has urged anyone with information to contact them at 1-800-552-6456, with relatives like Mitchell maintaining hope: "Jon J is a strong guy and he runs it hard," Mitchell added in the discussions with family members, as noted by Hawaii News Now.
