Search and rescue teams scoured miles of coastline and open water Monday for a Kona woman who went missing Sunday while spearfishing near Kapoho Bay. ADVERTISING Search and rescue teams scoured miles of coastline and open water Monday for a
Search and rescue teams scoured miles of coastline and open water Monday for a Kona woman who went missing Sunday while spearfishing near Kapoho Bay.
Amber Savant, 33, was free diving about 150 yards from shore when when a rip current pulled her into deeper water, according to the Hawaii Fire Department.
She was last seen wearing camouflage pants, a black tank top, dive weights and carrying a spear gun, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard said she and a diving companion encountered the strong tides and currents during their first dive at 2:30 p.m.
Savant was swept away immediately.
The search included a Coast Guard helicopter and airplane from Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu, Coast Guard patrol boat Kittiwake from Honolulu, a U.S. Navy helicopter, and two jet ski crews and a helicopter crew from the fire department.
As of press time Monday, it wasn’t known if the search would continue today.
Coast Guard spokeswoman Sara Moores said the search was occurring as far as 35 miles from shore.
The search had covered 1,914 square miles as of 11 a.m. Monday, she said.
On-scene weather conditions were reportedly 11 mph winds and 5-foot seas.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 842-2600.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
