The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a North Carolina Baptist man who recently went missing while snorkeling during a vacation in Hawaii.
John Weems, 75, a member of Beach Road Church in Southport, was last seen snorkeling off Kaanapali Beach in Maui on May 8. Coast Guard officials announced Monday (May 11) that the search for Weems had been suspended after more than three days.
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Before suspending the search at 6 p.m. Monday, Coast Guard crews searched approximately 1,275 square miles for more than 77 combined hours.
“Following extensive search efforts carried out alongside our partner agencies, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the search for Mr. Weems,” said Lt. Tyler Peterson, search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who are grieving, both near and far.”
‘Man in distress’
According to the Maui Police Department, Weems texted a family member at 1:30 p.m. on Friday (May ) to say he was going snorkeling. At about 3 p.m., a hotel guest reported what appeared to be a man in distress in the ocean.
The Coast Guard said it began searching for Weems after the Maui Fire Department requested assistance at 6:38 p.m. Friday. Agencies assisting in the search included the Maui Police Department, Maui Fire Department, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Air Force Civil Air Patrol and Maui Ocean Safety Bureau. Rescue boats and helicopters were used during the operation.
Weems has been an active member of Beach Road Church, where he has served as a deacon, chaired the church’s Budget and Finance Committee, and helped lead multiple building and renovation projects.
Prayers lifted
In a Facebook post May 10, Beach Road’s executive pastor Woody Walls asked church members to pray for Weems and his family while search efforts were ongoing.
Despite the extensive search, Weems was not found.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Chad Austin and originally published by the Biblical Recorder.
