A Kailua-Kona man died Monday in waters off 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 the other man who made it out of the water safely and did not require medical attention.
Violet Angirabiang, who witnessed the incident, told West Hawaii Today she saw a man in the water and heard him scream for help before a set of large waves rolled in. The incident occurred amid a high surf advisory calling for 8- to 12-foot waves along south-facing shores of the Big Island’s Kona, northern, eastern and southern coasts.
Once the ocean settled, she said she no longer saw the man. A short time later, one man made it to shore, however, he said his friend was still in the water.
Divers spent the day scouring the rough 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 with an HC-130 aircraft and MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.