Man pulled off boat by giant tuna still missing

A fisherman in Hawaii who was dragged off a boat when he caught a giant tuna has been missing for more than three days, authorities report.

Mark Knittle, 63, hooked the tuna around 5:00 a.m. on Sunday and was pulled over the side of the boat and into the water. Another fisherman near Knittle tried to grab his fishing line but missed.

Others on the boat said they couldn't tell where he was in the water in order to attempt a rescue. Witnesses said that Knittle's last words were "The fish is huge" before he went overboard.

Giant tuna off the coast of Hōnaunau where they were fishing can reach 400 pounds and travel a great distance quickly.

NBC News reported that Coast Guard search crews used a cutter and aircraft to search the area but did not find Knittle.

Authorities asked anyone with information about Knittle's disappearance to contact them.