In the waters off Waikoloa, Hawaii, a day of fishing turned into a lasting mystery with the disappearance of 66-year-old Steven Wycoff. An avid fisherman familiar with the area, Wycoff set out in his kayak on the morning of June 27, 2013. Later that same morning, his kayak was discovered empty and adrift north of the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor, raising immediate concerns for his safety. The green kayak was found approximately 50 yards from shore and contained his fishing gear and a cooler, but there was no sign of Wycoff himself.
The discovery of the abandoned vessel triggered an extensive search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies. The Hawaii Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Hawaii Police Department, and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources all took part in the search. For three days, crews scoured the ocean by air and by sea. A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and the Cutter Kittiwake were utilized, while the fire department deployed a rescue boat and two helicopters. The search covered more than 228 square miles of the vast Pacific Ocean. Other boaters in the area reported last seeing Wycoff around 10 a.m. that morning, just under an hour before his kayak was found.
Despite the comprehensive and determined efforts of the search teams, no trace of Steven Wycoff was ever found. After three days of intensive searching, the difficult decision was made to suspend the official search. This decision was made in consultation with Wycoff's family. Captain Shannon Gilreath of the Coast Guard expressed his condolences, stating, 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.' The case remains a painful and unresolved chapter for his loved ones and the community. The discovery of his empty kayak, equipped for a day of fishing, serves as a somber reminder of a day that began with peaceful recreation and ended in enduring uncertainty. The official search was called off, leaving the vast ocean to hold the secrets of his disappearance.
Last Seen: Jun 27, 2013
