High Surf May Have Swept Angler
The search continued Friday for a missing 35-year-old Fullerton man who may have been swept out to sea by high surf while fishing on a Newport Harbor rock jetty, police said.
Truck driver Estelito Bolebole Obas was last seen by his family Tuesday afternoon when he left for an overnight fishing trip, according to Newport Beach Police Lt. Andy Gonis.
Relatives went to the Wedge area of the harbor Thursday to look for him, but they found only his car, parked and locked with no fishing gear inside, Gonis said.
The rough surf Tuesday night and Wednesday morning measured 6 to 8 feet in the area, Gonis said.
Obas’ aunt, Elena Lao, said Friday that her family has been hit hard by her nephew’s disappearance. “He is a very good person and like a son to me,” Lao said. “We are hoping for the best.”
Police and the man’s family are asking the public for assistance in the search. Obas is described as of Filipino heritage, 5 feet 7, 130 pounds, with black eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing jeans, a camouflage cap and a sweatshirt, his family said.
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at (800) 550-6273.
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