PINOLE, Calif. (KRON) — The search for a missing fisherman near Pinole who was last seen preparing to launch his canoe into the San Pablo Bay was suspended late Wednesday night, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Tito C. Montances, 70, was reported missing by his family on Tuesday after he left to go fishing around 1 p.m. but did not return home. A security camera captured the Hercules man preparing to launch his green, single-rider canoe near Pinole Shores around 1:30 p.m. Officers investigating the missing person report located his truck parked at Bay Front Park in Pinole.
Drones launched Tuesday night by the Hercules Police Department and the East Bay Regional Park District searched along shorelines but did not find Montances. The U.S. Coast Guard took over primary search efforts from the air and water just before midnight Tuesday.
After Coast Guard crews and local police agencies covered more than 280 square miles over 38 combined hours, the search was suspended Wednesday evening “pending further information,” officials said.
“The decision to suspend a search is never an easy one,” said USCG Chief Warrant Officer Michael L. Zapawa. “We appreciate the work of our partners throughout the search efforts, and our hearts are with Mr. Montances’ loved ones.”…