Kai'ōpae Information Update for August 16th, 2021

One person drowns in waters offshore of Kai'ōpae Point in North Kohala following an apparent drowning (diving) incident late Sunday morning (August 16th).

Published by: HIRSC - Hawaii Island (Hōlualoa) Team

info@hiradioscannercommunity.com

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with Ocean Safety Lifeguards - Jet Ski Team, Hawaii Police Department (HPD) responded to a report of a medical emergency aboard a commercial vessel offshore of Kai'ōpae Point in North Kohala late Sunday morning (August 15th).

The initial call came in at 10:33 am Sunday morning and HFD Crews from the South Kohala Fire Stations along with Battalion 2, Chopper 2, Ocean Safety Jet Ski 2, and HPD Officers from the South Kohala Patrol responded to the scene located approximately 300 yards offshore of Kai'ōpae Point, North Kohala.

Upon the arrival of emergency crews, a report came into 911 reporting a passenger (described as a male approxiately in his 70s) aboard a commercial vessel approximately 300 yards offshore of Kai'ōpae Point who went unresponsive after showing signs of distress in the water prior to being found. Crews members aboard the vessel immediately jumped into the water and brought the patient aboard and began life-saving measures, then proceeded towards Kawaihae Harbor to rendezvous with emergency crews. It was noted he was a part of a snorkel or dive tour at the time of the incident.

Once emergency crews arrived at the scene or the location of the vessel in the water, Jet Ski 2 then brought the patient from the vessel to awaiting HFD personnel at Kawaihae Harbor, while continuing life-saving measures. Once at Kawaihae Harbor, HFD Medic personnel immediately took over life-saving measures. However, a short time later, HFD Medic ceased all life-saving measures and declared the patient DOA.

Following the determination, HPD Officers took over the incident and continued with their investigation into the incident.