Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter file photo by PA3 Luke Clayton
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard, Kauai Fire and Ocean Safety are searching for Vladimir Sukhoparov, 58, off of the Kauai Beach Resort, Lihue, Sunday.
“Mr. Sukhoparov was last seen on a run wearing black swim trunks,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Leoan Concepcion, a Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstander. “Some of his belongings were found on the beach and it is suspected he went for a swim. We ask anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact us at (808)-842-2600.”
Currently engaged in the search:
- A Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew
- A Coast Guard Station Kauai 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew
- Kauai first responder ground crews
- The Kauai Fire Department Air 1 helicopter crew
- Jet ski operators from Ocean Safety And Lifeguard services
- The Coast Guard Cutter Kittiwake (WPB 87316) crew (en-route)
At 11:23 a.m., Kauai Emergency services received a report from the Kauai Beach Resort security office stating Mr. Sukhoparov was missing. Sector Honolulu watchstanders were notified and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) Notice requesting mariners in the area to keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress.
The Dolphin Helicopter and RB-M crews were deployed to search the area. The crew of the Kittiwake is also en-route from Oahu to assist. An Incident Command Post has been established to coordinate the search efforts.
Storms have been reported in the area with 11-mph winds and seas up to 12 feet.
