Search launched after man sailing from Hawaii to Victoria goes missing

The search is on for a professor who failed to arrive in Victoria after setting sail from Hawaii.

Paul Lim, a University of Victoria professor who hails from Salt Spring Island, was last known to be in Hawaii in early August.

He left Hilo, Hawaii on a 35-foot vessel named “Watercolour,” and planned to make the roughly 4,200-kilometre trek to Victoria.

He should have arrived by Sept. 10 or 11 but never showed up, the U.S. Coast Guard told CTV News.

The U.S. Coast Guard is now searching for him by notifying ships that may be in the area, as well as military aircraft that could fly over his potential sailing path.

Lim was reportedly on the final leg of his journey before he was reported missing, USCG said.

It’s believed to be the same Paul Lim who made headlines in 2011 when his yacht broke apart near Australia, prompting an ocean rescue.

The JRCC is liaising with Lim's family while the search continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call the U.S. Coast Guard District 11 command centre at 1-510-437-3701 or the Canadian Coast Guard at 1-877-567-5112.