KAILUA-KONA — The search for a 44-year-old freediver missing in waters off North Kohala resumes at first light today.
The U.S. Coast Guard Tuesday afternoon identified the missing person as Guy Hermogila.
The freediver was last seen about 11 p.m. Monday by family while camping at “Mosquito Bay,” which is located makai of mile marker 8 on Akoni Pule Highway, said Bill Bergin, West Hawaii battalion chief.
Tuesday morning, Hermogila was reported missing by his family. Hermogila reportedly had gone diving for lobsters the night before off Black Point, a popular dive spot south of Malae Point, but had not returned, according to the Coast Guard.
The man’s dive float was found in the water yards offshore, however, the rest of his gear remained missing, Bergin said.
“We have every reason to believe he was out there so we’re actively searching right now,” Bergin said from the scene.
Despite a full day of searching no sign of the man had been turned up as of Tuesday evening, Bergin said.
Tuesday’s search effort involved fire rescue personnel from the Hawaii Fire Department conducting ground searches and dive Jet Ski search operations in the area, as well as a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew searching from the air, he said.
Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak was also en route from Honolulu to assist in the effort.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 842-2600.