Coast Guard suspends search for missing fisherman off Maui

The Coast Guard suspended its search Tuesday for a missing fisherman in waters off of Maui.

“We extend our condolences to the friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” said Petty Officer 1st Class William Cusic, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstander, in a news release Tuesday. “Our crews worked diligently, but unfortunately there has been no sign of the missing fisherman and the Coast Guard has suspended the active search pending further developments.”

The search was initiated Sunday afternoon after watchstanders received a distress call from the master of a 68-foot fishing vessel, Kawaiola, who reported a crewmember went overboard about 80 miles off Maui.

He was last seen on deck at approximately 2:30 p.m. that day. The distress call was made at 5:10 p.m. after the crew realized he was no longer on the vessel.

The Coast Guard scoured more than 10,200 square miles over two days in search of the fisherman to no avail.