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The Coast Guard and the Hawaii County Fire Department were searching Saturday for a missing fisherman off Hilo.
A 56-year-old man was fishing from a 10-foot cliff near Mackenzie State Recreation Area Friday evening when sources say he was swept out to sea after either slipping or being washed off by a wave, according to the Coast Guard. He was wearing black rain gear.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Honolulu Command Center received notification from the fire department Friday at 9:40 p.m. and launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Barbers Point Air Station and diverted the cutter Kiska, the Coast Guard said.
The fire department had a rescue boat and ground team also assisting in the search.
The fire department’s search has been suspended until first light Sunday after ground crews searched from Pohoiki to Kaimu Beach. An aerial search was conducted out to a half-mile offshore, and divers searched the area off Malama Flats, all to no avail.
