Search continues for diver missing off Puuhonua O Honaunau

Search efforts continue Friday afternoon for a man who went missing while reportedly diving Wednesday in waters off Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park in South Kona.

Kealakekua resident Jeremiah Nathan, 42, was reported missing about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, shortly after a friend located Nathan’s pickup truck at the entrance to the park, said Hawaii Fire Department Special Operations Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki and the Hawaii Police Department. Nathan apparently failed to return to the friend’s home Wednesday evening and also did not board an 8 a.m. flight to the mainland.

Kosaki said fire rescue personnel found Nathan’s wallet, keys and cell phone inside the cab, but were unable to locate his dive gear. He was said to have gone diving at “two step,” according to police.

Police said Nathan is Caucasian, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with green eyes and short brown hair. He also has a tattoo across his chest with Arabic-type lettering.

Search efforts Thursday evening included personnel conducting shoreline and aerial surveys extending 1 mile north and south of the park, according to the fire department. The search was subsequently suspended with negative findings because of darkness; it resumed at first light Friday.

On Friday, Kosaki said, the department conducted ground and aerial surveys extending two miles north and south of the park. County rescue divers also scoured the water.

Search efforts will resume at first light Saturday for the man, Kosaki said. The search is currently expected to continue through Sunday.

Anyone with information on Nathan’s whereabouts should call the Officer Bradden Kimura at 326-4646, ext. 253, or the department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.