KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii Island Police are investigating the death of a 23-year-old male Peruvian National who died in waters off of South Point in Ka’u.
Hawaii Island police responded to a report of two swimmers in distress off South Point Landing at about 2:09 p.m. Monday. When they arrived, a Hawaii Fire Department rescue diver was retrieving the man’s body from about 50 feet of water. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police have opened a coroner’s inquest investigation.
Police determined the man jumped into the water to assist a 20-year-old female friend who had been swept under a current. The two then began to have difficulties getting to shore. The female made it to shore, suffering minor injuries.
Both are visitors from Peru. The man’s name is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.
The South Point area is a popular spot listed in several social media and tourist web pages; however, the area is not safe for jumping or diving into the water. Warning signs are posted prohibiting jumping or diving into the water.