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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, November 27, 2009

Fire department halts search for missing kayaker

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Russell Yoshida

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Honolulu firefighters suspended search efforts at 5 p.m. yesterday for a kayaker missing since Monday.

Russell Yoshida, a 53-year-old Waialua resident, failed to return from a fishing trip at his favorite spot off Kaimanu Place in Waialua on Monday night. The Honolulu Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard began a search for him that evening and looked for signs of him Tuesday and Wednesday as well. The Coast Guard suspended its search Wednesday evening.

Yoshida was in a 10-foot yellow kayak and was not wearing a life jacket, the Coast Guard said. A water bailer and water bottles believed to be Yoshida's were found Tuesday close to where he launched, but no other items have been recovered.

Honolulu fire Capt. Terry Seelig said firefighters searched by air, on the ocean's surface and underwater using scuba gear but did not turn up further signs of Yoshida.

Seelig said search efforts will not resume unless new information arises.