HONOLULU—A U.S. Coast Guard aircrew is actively searching for a possible swimmer in distress approximately 500 yards offshore in Kakapa Bay on the northwest side of the Big Island, Aug. 26, 2010.
Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector Honolulu were first notified at approximately 4:30 p.m. about a possible swimmer in distress off Kikaua Point.
A Coast Guard aircrew aboard an HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point was launched at 6:30 p.m. and was on scene at approximately 7:40 p.m. A crewmember aboard the Dolphin deployed a DMB, datum marker buoy, in order to track drift patterns of the water, to assist in the search.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Ahi is also enroute to assist in the search.
Members from the Hawaii County Fire Department also assisted in the search, using a helicopter, rescue boat, and shoreline crews (fire engine).
Anyone with information about the missing man is asked to contact Coast Guard watchstanders at 808-842-2600.
