Man Dies Near Black Rock After Snorkeling Incident

Puʻu Kekaʻa “Black Rock”. Maui Now graphic.

Maui Police officers responded to the Black Rock area near the Sheraton Maui Resort for a report of an unresponsive male being tended to by emergency personnel on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at about 9:51 a.m.

A snorkeler was about 75 yards from shore when he became distressed and yelled for help.

Witnesses used a kayak to pull the man from the water and brought him to shore.

On-shore, he was able to sit and talk. But shortly after, he passed out and became unresponsive.

Beach-goers administered CPR until relieved by personnel from the fire department and medic unit.

Their efforts were unsuccessful and the male was pronounced dead at the scene.

The male victim was identified by his wife as 47-year-old Joseph Ramaikas of New Jersey.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine cause of death.