Coast Guard searching for another missing fisherman

By Will Hoover
Advertiser North Shore Writer

Coast Guard aircraft scoured the ocean yesterday between O'ahu's North Shore and Kaua'i in search of Roy Takatsuki, 57, of Kaua'i, who was reported missing at sea Friday evening.

Takatsuki's empty boat, Beverly, an 18-foot, white Boston Whaler, was found about 10 miles northeast of Kaua'i shortly before noon yesterday, said Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer Justin Acosta.

Takatsuki was last seen aboard the craft on Friday when he was part of the North Shore Hanapa'a Jackpot fishing tournament. Takatsuki was reported missing at 7 p.m. Friday after he failed to return by the time limit.

From midnight to 9 a.m., a C-130 Hercules airplane covered a 1,000-square-mile area west and north of the North Shore. The search was expanded with a Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter, a Honolulu Fire Department helicopter and a number of concerned tournament fishermen joining in before Takatsuki's boat was found near Kaua'i.

It was the second time this month that fishermen have been reported missing at sea in similar incidents.

On Wednesday, a memorial service was held for Richard Yoshio Shiroma, 60, who was lost at sea the week before. Shiroma's empty boat ran aground at Turtle Bay on June 16 with its motor running and the remains of a large marlin lashed to the side. Shiroma disappeared while fishing alone near La'ie.

Acosta said the search for Takatsuki would continue today.