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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, November 14, 2009

Search for missing fisherman goes on


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The search continued today for Devin Johnson of Kamuela, shown here in the green shorts standing closest to the fish. The other people in the picture are friend Barry Birdsall Jr. and Devin's twin brother Gus (Dennis) Johnson (kneeling). Both are out helping in the search for Devin.

Courtesy of Barry and Kai Birdsall

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HOW TO HELP

Friends of the Johnson family said at least 50 volunteers are helping in the search for Devin Johnson, some with private vessels, others with airplanes. The family asks that anyone willing to help call The Advertiser newsroom at 808-525-8090, and The Advertiser will pass the information on to the family and friends directing the volunteer search effort.

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The Coast Guard is continuing its search for Devin Johnson, the 23-year-old fisherman who was last seen yesterday morning, presumably before falling overboard about 60 miles west of the Big Island.

“The Coast Guard and the Navy are working together,” said Coast Guard spokesman, Petty Officer Michael De Nyse. “At first light today we launched a C-130 (long-range search plane) and an HH-65 (rescue helicopter). “We’re throwing every research asset we have at this.”
Also on the scene is an 18-person crew from the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, a 110-foot patrol boat.
Rescuers aboard U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawks, from Kaneohe’s Marine Corps base, are also assisting in the search.
Even before daybreak rescuers had searched a 2,000-square-mile area, said De Nyse. He said the search would continue throughout the day.
“We are working together with everybody available — surface, air and other agencies — to get this guy reunited with his family,” said De Nyse.
Johnson was last seen wearing an olive green sweater and black shorts — but no life jacket. Anyone with further information about Johnson is asked to contact the Coast Guard’s 24-hour Honolulu Harbor command center at 842-2600.