A 59-year-old man apparently drowned Thursday night while diving in waters off Kamilo Beach in Ka‘u.
A 59-year-old man apparently drowned Thursday night while diving in waters off Kamilo Beach in Ka‘u.
Responding to the 9:29 p.m. alarm, Hawaii Fire Department rescue personnel didn’t arrive at scene of the remote beach until 11:15 p.m. because they had to utilize a smaller, off-road vehicle to make the 5.5-mile trip via a dirt and rock road.
When rescue personnel made it to the scene, they found a 59-year-old man who was laying on his back in the sand. The victim had died prior to their arrival.
The man had been night diving in a group and apparently lost contact with the others, according to the department. The conditions in the area included 2- to 3-foot choppy waves.
The man was reportedly found later in a tide pool and brought to shore prior to the arrival of fire rescue personnel.
