Body of Missing Snorkeler Recovered from Nāpili

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 9:02 a.m. 9/11/13)

Maui Police have since identified the missing snorkeler as Marc Sandstrom, 78, of Carlsbad, California.

(Posted: 9/10/13)

The body of a missing snorkeler was found floating off Nāpili Point on Tuesday evening, Sept. 10, officials said.

The 78-year-old man from Carlsbad, CA, was reported missing when he failed to return as planned to meet family members at 4 p.m., said Maui Fire Captain Bram DenHaan.

Family members reported last seeing the man an hour earlier entering waters near Nāpili Point, officials said.

Crews aboard the department’s Rescue helicopter spotted the missing snorkeler about 75 yards off Nāpili Point at 6:10 p.m., according to incident reports.

There were no signs of life or trauma when crews aboard the Lahaina Fire Rescue boat retrieved the man’s body, said Capt. DenHaan.

The exact cause of death remains under investigation, according to authorities.

In addition to the rescue boat and helicopter, fire crews from Nāpili, Lahaina and Kahului assisted with the search, as well as personnel from the US Coast Guard.