Hawai‘i Island police have launched a missing person investigation after 63 year-old Mark Knettle of Captain Cook went overboard while fishing on a boat off Hōnaunau on Sunday, January 15.
 
Knettle is described as being 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds, with curly brown hair and a white mustache and beard.
 
It was reported to police that 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.
 
The Hawai‘i County Fire Department and the Coast Guard personnel were called out and are conducting a continuous search over the next few days.
 
Police ask anyone with information regarding the incident to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or email Officer Melani Cline at melani.cline@hawaiicounty.gov.