Police are investigating a possible drowning that took place in waters off Haena, aka Shipman Beach in Keaau.
The victim has been identified as 66-year-old David Berg of Pahoa.
At about 12:23 p.m. Tuesday, Puna patrol officers and Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to the report of a swimmer in distress. Numerous bystanders and family members attempted to rescue the victim by throwing out rescue buoys to him, however were unsuccessful.
Responding personnel learned that the victim was swimming when a large wave crashed on to him pushing him below the surface. He was swept about 100-yards out underwater, before resurfacing. The victim appeared lifeless and washed up on some rocks in the bay where he was airlifted by a fire department helicopter.
Fire department medics immediately began CPR on Berg as they began transporting him to the Hilo Medical Center. Life-saving measures continued at the hospital, however were unsuccessful.
Berg was pronounced dead at 2:23 p.m.
Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.