Vanished in Paradise: The Unsolved Disappearance of Robert Rumburg off Oahu’s North Shore

A Vacation Turned Tragic

In November 2011, Robert Rumburg, a 51-year-old man from Arvada, Colorado, embarked on a Hawaiian vacation that would end in mystery and sorrow. Known for his adventurous spirit, Rumburg decided to try surfing at Sunset Beach on Oahu's North Shore—a location famed for its powerful waves and scenic beauty. Despite being an experienced swimmer, Rumburg was not an experienced surfer, making his decision both daring and, ultimately, tragic.

The Day of Disappearance

On November 16, 2011, Rumburg set out to surf but failed to return for a planned dinner with his host. Concerned, she discovered that one of her surfboards was missing, along with Rumburg. Later that evening, residents found a surfboard drifting near Rocky Point, a location not far from Sunset Beach. The board was identified as the one Rumburg had borrowed.

Massive Search Efforts

The discovery of the surfboard prompted an extensive search operation involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department, and local authorities. Search teams utilized helicopters, boats, and jet skis to scour the area from Kaena Point to Kahuku Point, covering approximately 3,155 square miles. Despite favorable weather conditions and calm seas, no trace of Rumburg was found.

Suspension of the Search

After several days of exhaustive efforts, the Coast Guard suspended the search on November 19, 2011. Cmdr. Steven Wheeler expressed condolences to Rumburg's family, stating that the decision to suspend the search was difficult and made after considering all available data and the probability of survival. ...Read More

Share

Comments (0)

Leave A Comment