Captain Cook woman dies following apparent drowning

A 44-year-old Captain Cook resident apparently drowned Friday afternoon in waters off Kua Bay in North Kona.

On Friday, Kona police officers and Hawaii Fire Department rescue personnel responded to a 2:12 p.m. report of an apparent drowning at the bay, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 3:24 p.m.

Police identified her as Carol Vandermyden. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

No further information was available as of press time.