Snorkeler Dies After Being Pulled from Wailea Waters

Wailea, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A snorkeler who was a passenger from a cruise boat died after he was found floating in waters off of Wailea Point in South Maui on Sunday afternoon, police said.

Police have since identified the victim as John Ready, 73, of Hatboro, PA.

According to police reports, the man was a passenger on a Pacific Whale Foundation cruise boat, and was snorkeling about 100 yards from shore at the time the incident was reported at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2014.

Representatives with the Pacific Whale Foundation say the passenger was in contact with crew for the duration, and that the Coast Guard was called to assist.

Police say cardio pulmonary resuscitation was conducted until first responders arrived and brought the man to shore.

Ready was then transported to shore and was taken to the Maui Memorial Medical Center, but was later pronounced dead, according to police reports.

The cause of death is unknown pending autopsy results.

***This story has been amended to include comment/input from Pacific Whale Foundation representatives.