The search for a missing 52-year-old diver continued Wednesday as the Honolulu Fire Department, the Coast Guard and family and friends scoured the shore and underwater areas off Makaha Beach Park.
Firefighters planned to continue the search at dawn Thursday.
Harold “JJ” Jackson went diving with a small group that left Waianae Boat Harbor in a 19-foot boat about 8:15 p.m. Monday. He was last seen exploring the underwater Makaha caves and was outfitted in a wet suit and scuba gear.
The Honolulu Fire Department suspended its search at about sundown Tuesday and resumed early Wednesday morning, said HFD Capt. David Jenkins. Preliminary reports indicated that a net bag found at the site belonged to Jackson, Jenkins said. He added that search crews Wednesday were “pretty much utilizing the same techniques as yesterday” and had expanded their search area.
The Coast Guard launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Barbers Point, the 87-foot Kittiwake, an auxiliary vessel and two other response boats Wednesday.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Melissa McKenzie said crew members searched throughout Tuesday night and have since covered about 1,000 square miles.
A team of about 15 family and friends, including the diver who reported Jackson missing, also were there Wednesday, using their own boat and walking the shoreline to Yokohama Bay to aid with search efforts, said HFD Battalion Chief James Perkins.
Perkins said Jackson, described as giving and kind, had been diving in the area for about 30 years searching for shells.
He added that the area is pretty active, with several scuba diving and snorkeling tours. He said that as a safety precaution, divers should always stay in contact with one another.
“A common safety practice is to dive with partners,” Perkins said. “And they did. They had three of their divers from that boat.”
Jackson is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 175 pounds and has brown hair and eyes.
Anyone with information on Jackson’s whereabouts is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME from a cellphone. Alternatively, text “CS808” plus a message to 274637 or CRIMES.
