Wailuku River State Park at Boiling Pots remained closed Tuesday as Hawaii County Fire Department’s rescue personnel continued to search for a 62-year-old woman who went missing in the river Monday evening. ADVERTISING Wailuku River State Park at Boiling Pots
Wailuku River State Park at Boiling Pots remained closed Tuesday as Hawaii County Fire Department’s rescue personnel continued to search for a 62-year-old woman who went missing in the river Monday evening.
The woman, who owns a bed and breakfast in Kona, was swimming in an upper pond at Boiling Pots with a male guest when they got caught in a fast-moving current, said Capt. Miles Kawazoe.
The man made it to shore, while the woman went missing after being pulled into heavy rapids.
Rescue swimmers and divers searched some of the more treacherous parts of the river for signs of the woman Tuesday morning. A Fire Department helicopter was assisting with the search.
Battalion Chief Warren Sumida said the operation was considered a recovery mission because the unlikely chance she could still be found alive. Her name was being withheld until next of kin could be notified, he said.
The river is swollen by recent rains.
A flood advisory was in effect from 2:51 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. Tuesday.
