HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii Police Department is investigating a possible drowning at O-Tech Beach in Kailua-Kona on Sunday afternoon, January 5.
The victim is a man believed to be in his early to late 30s and has not been identified.
Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a swimmer in distress at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
According to reports, three men, including the victim, were near the bathrooms at O-Tech Beach when the man fell into the water. Large waves prevented him from returning to shore.
The two other men attempted to assist him, but the victim was unable to make it back to land.
Rescue personnel from the Hawaii Fire Department conducted a search and located the victim, who showed no signs of life.
He was transported by boat to Honokōhau Harbor and then taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Kona Patrol Officer Sarha Reich at (808) 935-3311 or via email at Sarha.Reich@hawaiicounty.gov.