A search by local and federal authorities is under way for Jeffery Hattori, 58, a boater who, according to U.S. Coast Guard Force Micronesia, is missing near Guam.
On Sunday, the Coast Guard said in a post on its Facebook page that Hattori was due back on Saturday.
“His 14-foot skiff, Lady G (GU 325 PU, blue Bimini Top), was due back at Hagåtña Boat Basin by 4 p.m. April 12,” the Coast Guard reported at around 3 p.m. on April 13.
At the time of the social media post, nearly 24 hours had passed since Hattori was due back.
“Hattori departed the marina at 5:30 a.m. local time on April 12 and was expected back by 4 p.m. His vehicle and boat trailer remain at the basin,” USCG said in a release.
The Coast Guard is working with Guam Fire Department Rescue and the U.S. Navy to search for Hattori.
“We’re mobilizing every available resource to find Mr. Hattori and bring him home safely. Our long-standing partnership with Guam Fire Rescue, strengthened through joint training like the recent (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) course, ensures seamless coordination. Together, with the additional support from (Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron)-25, we’re leveraging decades of shared expertise to cover vast areas efficiently and effectively,” USCG search and rescue mission coordinator Cmdr. Patton Epperson said in a release on Sunday.
In the release, it was noted that GFD Rescue personnel alerted watchstanders at the USCG Force Micronesia Sector Guam’s Joint Rescue Sub-Center, or JRSC, and a response was “promptly coordinated.”
“A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor launched and searched waters from Hagåtña Boat Basin to Ritidian Point, checking fishing grounds, fish aggregating device buoys, and a reported sighting near Pati Point, with no sign of Hattori or his vessel,” the release said.
As the search continues for Hattori the USCG said that the JRSC Guam watch issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast asking mariners and Guam Internation Airport Authority tower personnel to instruct pilots inbound for Guam to be on the lookout and report any small vessels or lights around Guam.
“With the search area expanding, the JRSC Guam watch is seeking fixed-wing aircraft support. Current weather conditions include east winds of 10 to 15 knots, seas of 3 to 5 feet, with wave details of east 4 feet at 8 seconds and east 3 feet at 4 seconds. No watches, warnings, or advisories are in effect,” the release said. “Anyone with information about Hattori or his vessel is urged to contact JRSC Guam at 671-355-4826 or 1-877-418-0168.”
This is a developing story.