UPDATE: Coast Guard suspends search for missing kayaker

HONOLULU – The Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing kayaker near Kalepolepo Beach Park, Maui at 6:18 p.m. Thursday.

Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary crews covered a total of 272 square miles during the search for 55-year-old Torry Durrell.

“Our decision to suspend the search was not made easily,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal Tassan Toffola, an Operations Specialist at Sector Honolulu. “We took into account the probability of survival, weather, drift and other data. Ultimately the decision to suspend, pending any new information, was made this evening. We offer our thoughts and prayers to Torry Durrell’s friends and family during this difficult time.”

Coast Guardsmen aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point, the Hilo-based crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, the Kiska small boat, a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Maui, and Coast Guard Auxiliarists aboard a Cessna airplane were all deployed in this search.

Durrell is 55 years old, has grey hair and blue eyes. His kayak was found approximately 200 yards off the beach park, Tuesday.

Anyone with information concerning Durrell's whereabouts should contact Coast Guard Sector Honolulu immediately at 808-842-2600.

For more information, please contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.