A search is underway for a 63-year-old fisherman who was dragged overboard by a massive tuna off the coast of Hawaii. Mark Knittle of Captain Cook was fishing with a friend near the 'C' buoy, four miles from Honaunau on the Big Island, on Sunday morning when he hooked an ahi tuna.
The friend reported hearing Knittle exclaim, 'The fish is huge,' before he was pulled into the water. Despite the friend's efforts to grab the line and jump in after him, Knittle disappeared within seconds. The US Coast Guard and Hawaii County Fire Department have been searching by sea and air, with the operation continuing into Tuesday.
Yellowfin tuna, known locally as ahi, can weigh up to 450 pounds and grow to seven feet in length. They are among the fastest fish in the ocean. A similar incident occurred in 2013 when fisherman Anthony Wichman was dragged overboard by a 230-pound yellowfin but managed to survive.
Knittle is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, with curly brown hair, a white moustache and beard. He was last seen wearing dark shorts and a dark shirt. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Hawaii Police Department.
