Hawaiian authorities are launching a missing person investigation after an angler was apparently pulled overboard while tuna fishing off Honaunau. According to the Hawaii Police Department, 63-year-old Mark Knittle was fishing with a friend this past Sunday, January 15 near C buoy. The location was only about four miles from the Honaunau boat ramp.
It was there that Knittle hooked into an ahi (yellowfin tuna) at approximately 5:00 a.m. The fish species has a reputation for being one of the strongest and hardest fighters in the ocean. According to the police, Knittle had time to say "This fish is huge" just seconds before the angler was suddenly pulled overboard. Knittle's friend tried to grab the line, but he was too late.
According to the eyewitness, Knittle was last seen on the surface, but he quickly disappeared. The witness jumped in the water and tried to locate his friend but was unsuccessful.
It's unclear from the police reports if Knittle was strapped to the rod via a fighting harness often used to help fight the larger fish in saltwater. Such harnesses make it easier to fight a larger, stronger fish like the yellowfin, but do come with some element of danger if the angler is pulled overboard and cannot free themselves.
Authorities released a photo of Knittle noting he is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds. He has a white mustache and beard and curly brown hair. Authorities announced they would conduct a continuous search for the next 72 hours after Knittle's disappearance. According to NBC News, authorities had dispatched both a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter and aircraft in the search. The local fire department was also involved in the search efforts.
In the meantime, authorities are asking the public to contact their non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 if they have any information about the incident. People with information can also email Officer Melani Cline at [email protected].
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