Guo Chuan preparing for his trans-Pacific sailing on Oct. 19, 2016. (Photo: Xinhua/Xu Yong)
(ECNS) -- The wife of Chinese sailor Guo Chuan, who went missing near Hawaii while trying to break the world record for crossing the Pacific alone, has launched a campaign to raise 2 million yuan (about $295,000) to search for him.
The U.S. Coast Guard suspended air rescue operations as Guo lost contact with his team for more than 100 hours. However, his team and wife Xiao Li are still racing time to find possible clues to the disappearance.
The team said on Saturday that Guo, suspected to have fallen overboard from his trimaran between 15:15 and 15:30 on Oct. 25 Beijing time, might be wearing a life jacket and still stands a chance of surviving as the waters off Hawaii are not so cold.
Total costs for the rescue mission, including boat and helicopter rental, is expected to hit around 4.65 million yuan.
Xiao said most of the funds raised will be used to buy and deliver supplies to the waters where Guo went missing.
In a recent development, a Chinese cargo ship diverted from its original course to assist in the search. Guo's team and family said they would continue the search even if there's just a single ray of hope.
In 2013, Guo became the first Chinese sailor to complete a non-stop solo circumnavigation of the globe.
