As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Department of Public Safety spokesman Sgt. Thomas A. Blas told the Variety that rescuers had not found Masaaki Isobe.
Blas said on Wednesday, at about 12:48 p.m., the department received a call regarding a stranded swimmer, later identified as Isobe, at Tank Beach in Kagman.
Preliminary investigation of Boating Safety Officer Jimmy K. Sablan showed that a group of tourists that included Isobe went to Tank Beach sometime after 11 a.m.
“The group went snorkeling within the lagoon of Tank Beach for about half an hour before they started to head back to shore,” Blas said.
As the tourists were heading back to the shoreline, some noticed that Isobe was not with them so they started searching for him.
Blas said the victim was seen by the reef line where the waves break and was calling for help.
“The group attempted to swim out to the victim but was unable to reach him due to the large waves and strong currents,” Blas said.
After being notified, DPS immediately dispatched patrol and boating safety officers.
Two jet skis and a Division of Fish and Wildlife vessel were launched.
The Fire Search and Rescue Unit also responded to the scene and conducted a cliff line search.
At about 3:37 p.m., a Navy helicopter was at the scene conducting an aerial search, Blas said.
The search for the swimmer continued until it was called off at about 6 p.m. due to poor visibility, Blas said.
He said the search continues today with the assistance of the Emergency Management Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, Fish and Wildlife, and the Fire Search and Rescue Unit.
