Family Continues Search for Overboard Passenger of Catalina Express

As much of the community here in Long Beach is aware, a 24-year-old named Keion Dave went overboard on a Catalina Express voyage to Santa Catalina Island on the evening of Thursday, June 10.

Authorities searched for Kion through the end of Friday June 11 with no avail with the ongoing support of Keion’s family, who continues to hold faith in their loved one’s well being. The Los Angeles County Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard have ceased their efforts “pending further updates.”

Though the official search has concluded, Keion’s family and loved ones aren’t giving up. In addition to the 600 square miles searched by authorities both on the ocean and from the air, Kion’s family has coordinated with community members to keep up the search efforts.

“I hope he’s safe and warm somewhere and just OK,” said his sister Kiami Dave.

President of Catalina Express, Greg Bombard, stated that deckhands witnessed Keion go overboard from the stern. The deckhands reportedly threw Keion a life preserver immediately.

It is still unclear if Keion had jumped or had fallen overboard. However, Bombard stated that “People saw him go over the side, so we’ll look at the footage we’ve got, and we’ll figure that out.”

The boat later returned to the departing harbor to transfer the 100+ passengers to another ship which would complete their voyage to Santa Catalina Island.

As the community organized search continues, the Dave family is asking for community members to do what they can to help. Specifically, the Dave family is asking those with boats to search and those without to scour the surrounding areas along the coast.

By

Daniel Drake