Posted on: Sunday, August 18, 2002

National Guardsman missing off Big Island

Associated Press

Members of the Hawai'i Army National Guard joined in the search for one of their own yesterday.

Jason Henderson, 30, was reported missing Wednesday night after failing to return from a daylong fishing trip out of Mahukona Harbor on the Big Island.

Henderson, who serves in the National Guard, was commissioned on O'ahu in May and moved to the Big Island with his wife and son shortly after.

"I'm praying every night — my wife and I are — and we just hope that he's found. And we're praying for his family," said former classmate Vic Underwood.

The search for Henderson has been hampered by 4- to 6-foot seas and 25- to 35-knot winds, said Coast Guard spokesman Lt. j.g. James Garland.

A National Guard helicopter was being used, as well as ground troops on the Big Island and Maui. A Coast Guard helicopter and C130 plane and a Navy P3 plane were also involved in the search.

In addition, the search has covered the north and west shores of the Big Island and the south shores of Maui and Kaho'olawe.