UPDATE/VIDEO: Body of Fisherman Recovered From West Maui Waters

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgg7kTVmE2w /] By Wendy Osher

(Update: 4 p.m. 1/1/12)

Maui police have since identified the fisherman pulled from waters off of west Maui as Steven Ribellia, 32, of Lahaina.

(Update: 7:39 p.m. 12/31/11)

Maui police say the body recovered from waters off of Nakalele Point on New Year’s Eve was that of a 32-year-old Lahaina man.

Maui Police Lt. Wayne Ibarra said a preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was fishing with a friend when he entered into the water to retrieve his fishing lure that had gotten stuck.

Body of fisherman recovered from West Maui waters. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The case has since been classified the case as a miscellaneous accident.

Authorities say the release of the victim’s name is pending notification of next of kin.

(Posted: 4:42 p.m. 12/31/11)

First responders on Maui recovered a body today of a man found floating in waters just west of the remote town of Kahakuloa near Nakalele Point.

The incident was reported at 1:56 p.m. in a coastline area near milepost 41 of the Kahekili Highway.

Body of fisherman recovered from West Maui waters. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Crews from the Maui Fire Department’s Air One Helicopter and personnel from Rescue 10 out of Kahului, retrieved the body of a 32-year-old man, according to Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

According to authorities, the man and a friend were fishing at the location.

The body was recovered from the ocean and brought to shore where medical examiners responded.

Also responding to the scene were crews from Engine 11, and Jet Ski 11 out of Lahaina.

Police are investigating.

*** We will post further details as they become available.

Recovery operations at Nakalele. Courtesy photo, credit: John Kenolio.

Recovery operations at Nakalele. Courtesy photo, credit: John Kenolio.

Body of fisherman recovered from West Maui waters. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Body of fisherman recovered from West Maui waters. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Body of fisherman recovered from West Maui waters. Photo by Wendy Osher.