Mahukona Information Update for June 9th, 2020

Rescue crews conducting a search for missing free diver off the coast of Mahukona Beach Park in North Kohala Tuesday (June 9th).

Published by: HIRSC - Hawaii Island (Holualoa/Kamuela) Team

info@hiradioscannercommunity.com

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with the HFD Ocean Safety Lifeguards, Hawaii Police Department (HPD), and United States Coast Guard (USCG) is conducting a search for missing male free diver off the coast of Mahukona Beach Park in North Kohala Tuesday (June 9th).

The initial call came in at 11:17 am Tuesday morning and HFD crews from the North Kohala and Kailua (Rescue Company 7) Fire Stations along with Battalion 2, Chopper 1 (from the Waiakea Fire Station), Chopper 2 (from the South Kohala Fire Station), HFD Ocean Safety West Hawaii Jet Ski team, HPD officers from the North Kohala Patrol, and a USCG C-130 responded to the scene located offshore of Mahukona Beach Park.

Upon the arrival of emergency crews, reports came of a missing free diver (described as a male, age was not immediately disclosed, to be released in a media release by HPD/USCG) who was last seen around 9:30 am Tuesday morning in the waters offshore of Mahukona Beach Park. Members of the group with the diver had exited the water, where it was discovered the missing party had not returned or resurfaced and immediately called 911 for further assistance.

Once emergency crews arrived at the scene, HFD and HPD personnel immediately conducted a search by air, land, and water surrounding Mahukona Beach Park. Later on Tuesday afternoon, USCG C-130 joined the search and conducted an aerial search further offshore of the North Kohala region.

USCG will continue their search into the evening hours and HFD and HPD personnel have since suspended their search due to nightfall. Both agencies will return at first light Wednesday morning (June 10th) to continue their search for a second day.

The HIRSC Team has received details shared by followers from other social media groups on the missing diver, we do appreciate the information. However, HIRSC Policy is to release detailed information from a law enforcement agency on the missing diver. We are working with HPD/USCG to confirm the information received, once confirmed, we will release another information update with details on the missing party. - HIRSC Administration Team