Parents of N.Y. teen swept out to sea say they won’t seek legal action against tour company

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

The parents of missing New York teen Tyler Madoff said this morning that they will not take legal action against the tour company that they trusted their 15-year-old son with.

The parents of missing New York teen Tyler Madoff said this morning that they will not take legal action against the tour company that they trusted their 15-year-old son with.

Michael and Marianne Madoff gave critical and caustic remarks regarding the owner and employees of Bold Earth, a teen travel program. They also expressed their gratitude for the unrelenting support from the Coast Guard, Hawaii County Police and Fire Departments, kayak company Hawaii Pack and Paddle, Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, and the community. Their comments were made during a press conference at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.

Hawaii County rescue crews resumed the search for Tyler this morning, and Monday is the final day of the search. There have been no new developments, said Fire Department West Hawaii Battalion Chief Reuben Chun.

The Fire Department has extended the search beyond its three-day standard — something that requires the fire chief’s approval, Chun added.

Tyler went missing around 3 p.m. Wednesday when large waves swept him, along with a boy from Florida, into the water near the Kaawaloa lighthouse, located in a remote area on the northern edge of Kealakekua Bay. They were exploring and resting in a tidal pool when the waves rolled in. They were part of a Bold Earth group, taking a kayak and hiking tour, according to officials.

Passing boats picked up the Florida boy shortly after. He was transported in critical condition to Kona Community Hospital and later taken to the Queens Medical Center on Oahu for further care.

For more details about the press conference and the search, read tomorrow’s edition of West Hawaii Today.