Coast Guard Searches for Missing Mariner Off Kauaʻi

A search is underway for a 67-year-old man whoʻs gone missing off Kauaʻi.

According to the US Coast Guard, Philip Grenz was last seen departing Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauaʻi, toward Haleiwa, Oʻahu. The mariner is operating the 42-foot sailing vessel Epic with a black-hull and teak deck.

The Sector Honolulu watchstanders first received a report regarding the missing mariner at 1:25 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, after Grenz hadnʻt arrived at his next port of call in Haleiwa.

Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched Coast Guard rescue crews. Multiple Coast Guard air and surface crews are searching with assistance from the Navy, Air Force, Civil Air Patrol, and local agencies.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the sailing vessel Epic or Grenz is requested to call the Coast Guard at 808-842-2600.

The search operation includes:

An Air Station Barbers Point C-130 Hercules aircrew
An Air Station Barbers Point HH-65 Dolphin aircrew
The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak
A Navy Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircrew
An Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircrew
A Coast Guard Station Honolulu 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew
A Coast Guard Station Kauaʻi 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew
Civil Air Patrol Cessna 1A2 aircrews
Kauaʻi County Ocean Safety
Honolulu Fire Department
Honolulu Ocean Safety
Honolulu County Sheriff’s Office