HILO, Hawaii – High surf and debris closed Bayfront Highway in Hilo this morning, while the U.S. Coast Guard and Hawaii County Fire Department searched for a possible missing fisherman near the break wall, as a High Surf Advisory is in effect.

Watchstanders and Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received notification just before 5 a.m. from Honolulu County Fire Department of a possible person in the water off the Hilo break wall. An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was issued, requesting the assistance of mariners in the area to keep a sharp look out.

A moderate, short-period, north northeast swell is generating choppy, 6 to 10 foot surf along east facing shores. The surf advisory will remain in effect until Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service says we should expect “strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.”

The highway from Pauahi Street to Waianuenue Avenue was still shut down as of 8 a.m.