A Kailua-Kona man died Monday while swimming in waters off the coast near the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority.
A Kailua-Kona man died Monday while swimming in waters off the coast near the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority.
The body of 26-year-old Richard Demby was located by divers Monday evening fronting Wawaloli Beach Park, said Hawaii Fire Department Acting West Hawaii Battalion Chief Matthias Kusch.
Demby was reported missing after he apparently failed to make it to shore while swimming with another man Monday morning, Kusch said.
Demby reportedly was a caretaker for another man who made it out of the water safely and did not require medical attention.
Violet Angirabiang, who witnessed the incident, said she saw a man in the water and heard him scream for help before a set of large waves rolled in. Once the ocean settled, she no longer saw the man. A short time later, one man made it to shore and said his friend still was in the water.
Divers spent the day scouring the waters fronting Wawaloli Beach Park while rescue personnel surveyed the coastline. A Hawaii County helicopter also conducted aerial surveys. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the search.
Email Chelsea Jensen at cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com.