In Hawaii, authorities are investigating the disappearance of a tuna angler after he appears to have gone overboard while fishing. In Honaunau, about four miles from the Honaunau boat ramp, 63-year-old Mark Knittle was fishing with a friend near C buoy this past Sunday, January 15.
The fish has a reputation for being one of the hardest and strongest fighters in the ocean. Knittle hooked into an ahi (yellowfin tuna) there at approximately 5:00 a.m.
Police report that Knittle had time to say “It’s a huge fish,” just seconds before the angler was suddenly pulled overboard, according to the police. Knittle’s friend was too late to grab the line.
Knittle was last seen on the surface, but he quickly disappeared.
The witness jumped in the water, but failed to locate his friend.
Police reports do not indicate that Knittle was strapped to the rod by a fighting harness, which is commonly used to fight larger fish in saltwater.
Although harnesses like this make it easier to fight large, stronger fish like yellowfins, they can be dangerous if the angler is pulled overboard.
