Using information from a cell phone provider, searchers concentrated their efforts in waters to the west of Guam Monday as they continued looking for a 58-year-old man whose boat was reported overdue on Saturday.
Jeffery Hattori’s cellular provider confirmed his phone’s last connection was via a tower near NCTAMS on Guam’s northwestern coast, according to a news release from the Coast Guard.
The information indicated a fishing area likely to be in the northwest. Responders used the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System to reassess probable search zones.
The Coast Guard has been working with Guam Fire Rescue and the Navy as they look for the 14-foot skiff, Lady G.
Hattori departed Hagåtña Boat Basin at 5:30 a.m. April 12 and was expected back by 4 p.m. the same day.
A Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 Knighthawk crew spotted a life ring in the search area, initially thought to be from Lady G.
Recovery by a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor revealed it belonged to the tank vessel Morning Ibis, redirecting efforts to focus on the skiff’s probable drift.
Searches through the afternoon and night Sunday involved crews aboard a Navy P-8 Poseidon fixed-wing aircraft from Commander Task Force 72 (out of Misawa, Japan, an HSC-25 Knighthawk, a visiting squadron HSC-21 Seahawk and the Coast Guard boat. USCGC Oliver Henry joined the effort after recalling their crew and departing Apra Harbor at 8:28 p.m. Sunday.
After consulting family and local fishermen, the response team is adjusting the search to include additional known areas offshore, where Hattori reportedly fished.
Monday’s efforts center off Ritidian Point and Guam’s western side. In addition to the crews and vessels participating in the search, a SafetyNet broadcast is advising commercial vessels to watch for and report any possible sightings.
“Our hearts are with Mr. Hattori’s family as we work to find him,” Coast Guard Cmdr. Patton Epperson said. “The vast ocean and dynamic currents around Guam present challenges, and we are grateful for the steadfast support of Guam Fire Rescue and the U.S. Navy, including their critical aviation assets. We’re covering every probable area with precision and care.”
Forecasted weather includes east winds at 15 knots, seas of 3 to 5 feet, waves of 4 feet, and scattered showers.
Anyone with information about Hattori or his vessel is urged to contact {span}Joint Rescue Sub-Center{/span} Guam at 671-355-4826 or 1-877-418-0168.
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