1-16-23 Missing Person Investigation Launched After Man Goes Overboard at Sea 
Hawai‘i Police Department
Kona Patrol
Acting Lieutenant Jeremy S. Lewis
Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 253
Report No.: 23-005355
Media Release
Hawai‘i Island police have launched a missing person investigation after a 63-year-old man went overboard while fishing on a boat off Hōnaunau on Sunday morning.
The missing man, identified as Mark Knettle of Captain Cook, is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, 185 pounds, with curly brown hair with a white mustache and beard.
It was reported to police that on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 5:00 am, Knettle and a friend were fishing near the “C” buoy, four miles outside of the Hōnaunau Boat Ramp, when Knettle hooked an ahi. The friend heard Knettle say, “the fish is huge,” then saw Knettle go overboard into the water.
The friend attempted to grab the line but was unsuccessful. Knettle was seen on the surface and disappeared within seconds. The friend attempted to jump in after Knettle but could not see him anywhere.
Hawai‘i Fire Department and the Coast Guard personnel were called out and are conducting a continuous search for the next 72 hours.
Police ask that anyone with information regarding this incident call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or email Officer Melani Cline at [email protected].
Address/Location
Hawaii Police Department
349 Kapiolani St
Hilo, HI 96720
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 808-935-3311
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