Big Island police identified the body recovered from the ocean near South Point on July 15 as Charles Senechal, 23, of Bellingham, Mass.
Big Island police identified the body recovered from the ocean near South Point on July 15 as Charles Senechal, 23, of Bellingham, Mass.
He was previously reported missing in waters off of Green Sands Beach. The victim was identified by dental records.
On July 13, friends reported Senechal did not return to shore after their group of seven went swimming at Green Sands Beach. None of the others in the group were injured.
Hawaii Fire Department personnel and their helicopter responded to the scene and started a search. They were later joined by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and cutter that assisted with the search through the following Monday.
On July 15, recreational divers found the victim about 200 yards offshore from Green Sands Beach and under 50 feet of water. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
No foul play is suspected and preliminary autopsy results determined the cause of death to be drowning.
Anyone who might have information about this incident is asked to call the police nonemergency line at 935-3311 or Officer Douglas Phillips at 939-2520.
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