Body of Diver Recovered from Ocean at DT Fleming Beach

DT Fleming, photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The body of a male diver was pulled from waters off of DT Fleming Park on Friday afternoon (Aug. 15) after a missing diver report was made, and a search was launched in the area.

Maui police have since identified the diver as Christopher Kuwada, 43, of Waikapū, Maui.

Officials say the incident was reported at 12:02 p.m. when crews aboard the Teralani III Catamaran recovered unattended dive gear (a snorkel, mask and spear) about a half mile offshore from Fleming Beach with no diver observed in the area.

Fire officials confirmed that the diver was not passenger on Teralani, but that crews aboard the vessel just happened to find the dive gear in ocean and reported the incident to authorities.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said the missing diver was located face down about three miles offshore and due north of DT Fleming Park by a crew aboard the department’s Air 1 helicopter.

The Jet Ski 3 Ocean Safety rescue watercraft brought the diver to the shore where he was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

Police say a preliminary investigation showed no signs of foul play.

Police say the victim’s family was notified; however, cause of death has not been determined pending autopsy results.

Among those assisting with the search were firefighters from Nāpili and Lahaina, Rescue 10 and Air 1, watercraft crews with the Ocean Safety Department,  and the US Coast Guard.