Search Suspended for Man who Fell into Maui Blowhole

By Wendy Osher

Maui crews suspended their search this evening (Monday, July 11, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.) for a visitor who was swept into a blowhole at Nakalele Point over the weekend.

Authorities have since identified the missing man as David Potts, 44, of San Anselmo, California.

Potts was knocked over by a wave and fell into the blowhole at around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2011.

Search and rescue crews spent the last three days searching the area for the missing man. Authorities say workers encountered both rough water and poor visibility during the search effort.

The search involved response from the Maui Police Department,the Maui Fire Department’s Engine 11, Ladder 3, Rescue 10, Air 1, Health and Safety Officer Steven Schaffer, and Battalion Chief Petro Garces. The Maui County Department of Water Safety also responded and assisted with jet skis.

Potts is described as 5’6” tall, about 150 pounds, with short brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing only a pair of multi-colored floral printed board shorts and a gray or blue hat.