Search Underway for Missing Free Diver Near Big Island

The search is underway today for a missing free diver near the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. The search was launched early this morning (Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015) for the man in his 50s after two friends filed a report at 2:40 a.m.

The report indicated that they last saw the missing man at 10:30 Wednesday night, Sept. 16, while diving in North Kohala at the end of the old Coast Guard Road.

Search crews have since located a submerged dive light and divers with the Hawaiʻi County Fire Department recovered the light and fishing spear, but the diver remained missing at last report.

Weather conditions in the area reportedly included northeast winds at 20 – 25 mph with seas up to 6-feet and good visibility, according to the US Coast Guard.

Agency officials say “the disappearance of the diver does not appear to be connected to Wednesday night’s tsunami advisory as it took place several hours prior to the forecasted arrival of any earthquake generated waves or currents.”