UPDATED (12/19/2016)

Police locate a Honokaa man wanted for violating terms of bail

MEDIA RELEASE

The Coast Guard received a report of an unmanned, adrift dinghy found offshore of the Big Island, five miles north of Kawaihae and the Kohala district, Dec. 4, 2016. The dinghy has evidence of recent use with two fishing rods, tackle box and fresh fish in the cooler aboard. (Courtesy photo/Released)

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard suspended the active search Wednesday (Dec 7) at sunset for the boater missing off the Big Island.

Derek Liu, 52, remains missing.

“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Liu,” said Lt. Scott Carr, the Coast Guard 14th District public affairs officer. “We extend our thanks to our partners in the Hawaii County Fire Department and the Navy for their support and time on this search.”

Responders conducted a total of 26 sorties covering 820 square miles (713 sq. nautical miles) over four days.

Involved in the search were:

• Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point
• The crews of the USCGC Ahi (WPB 87364) and USCGC Kittiwake (WPB 87316)
• Navy MH-60 Seahawk helicopter crews from HSM-37 at Kaneohe Bay
• Hawaii County Fire Department air crews, boat crews and divers

Watchstanders from the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center received notification from the Hawaii County Fire Department Sunday morning regarding a 12-foot Zodiac dinghy found adrift offshore by a mariner. The dinghy had evidence of recent use with two fishing rods, tackle box and fresh fish in the cooler aboard.