Big Island firefighters and the U.S. Coast Guard recovered a parasail chute last night but suspended search operations for possible missing persons at 11:30 p.m., a Coast Guard official said last night.

Witnesses reported the parasail going down about a half mile off shore in Anaeho'omalu Bay at 2 p.m. but couldn't say if the chute was manned.

Rescue helicopters and a Coast Guard Cutter were dispatched to search the area. Big Island police said there were no missing person reports matching the incident as of 10 p.m. After searching approximately 400 square miles, the search was suspended.

Coast Guard crewmembers from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard cutter Kiska, a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Hilo, assisted with the search.

Observers from the Hilton Waikoloa Village said they saw a kite go up about 100 feet into the air and then straight back down. The kite is red, white and blue with no logo or markings and is in good condition.

Hawaii Fire Department personnel contacted the Coast Guard at approximately 3 p.m. to help with the search. Coast Guard rescue crews began the search at 5:30 p.m.

Anyone with more information that could aid in the search should immediately contact Coast Guard Sector Honolulu at 842-2600.