Editor's Note: This release was updated Sept. 30, 2016, with a more recent description of the vessel.
ALAMEDA, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a Canadian sailor seen leaving in Hilo, Hawaii, Aug. 1 by a fellow mariner.
Mr. Paul Lim of Salt Spring Island, British Colombia, reportedly left Hilo bound for Victoria, Canada, aboard the 35-foot Sailing Vessel Watercolour. U.S. Coast Guardsmen estimate Mr. Lim should’ve have arrived in Victoria by approximately Sept. 10 or 11.
U.S. Coast Guardsmen at Rescue Coordination Center Alameda began broadcasting to mariners along Mr. Lim’s possible route to be on the lookout for his vessel Sept 21. They have queried dozens of commercial vessels along his route and are broadcasting to all mariners along the Pacific coast including Alaska and Hawaii.
A U.S. Coast Guard C-130 from Air Station Barbers Point in Honolulu completed a search in an area between Hilo and Victoria Thursday with no sign of Mr. Lim.
The Canadian Coast Guard is assisting by maintaining contact with Mr. Lim’s family and is acting as a conduit for information in the search. Mr. Lim was reported overdue by his loved ones to the Canadian Coast Guard.
The Watercolour is a 35-foot white fiberglass hull Spencer vessel with whites sails and a pink dingy.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr. Lim or the Sailing Vessel Watercolour is asked to call the U.S. Coast Guard at 510-437-3701. Photos of Mr. Lim and his vessel are available for download by clicking the thumbnails below.
Mr. Paul Lim of Salt Spring Island, British Colombia, reportedly left Hilo, Hawaii, Aug. 1 bound for Victoria, Canada, aboard the 35-foot Sailing Vessel Watercolour. Mr. Lim was reported overdue by his loved ones to the Canadian Coast Guard Sept. 21. Click here to download.The Sailing Vessel Watercolour is a 35-foot white hull Spencer vessel with white sails and a blue canvas dodger. Mr. Paul Lim of Salt Spring Island, British Colombia, reportedly left Hilo bound for Victoria, Canada, aboard the 35-foot Sailing Vessel Watercolour. He has been reported overdue. Click here to download.