Man victim of apparent drowning in Keauhou

A man apparently drowned Saturday afternoon while swimming in Lekeleke Bay, south of Keauhou.

Responding to the 3:07 p.m. report, fire rescue personnel arrived at Lekeleke Bay 12 minutes later to find two male swimmers in distress in the waters at End of the World. One swimmer made it to shore, suffering minor injuries that required no emergency medical attention.

The other swimmer, however, was still in the ocean, face down, and unresponsive, according to the department. Fire rescue personnel entered the ocean and secured the body until Chopper 2 could extricate the body.

The victim was estimated to be 30 to 40 years old. He was transported to Kona Community Hospital for official pronouncement of death.