HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR032119KauaimandieswhilesnorkelinginwatersoffWailuaF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 21, 2019
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL M. CONTRADES, ACTING CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Kauai man dies while snorkeling in waters off Wailua
WAILUA — A 46-year-old Kauai man died while snorkeling in waters off Wailua on
Thursday afternoon.
His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Two bystanders golfing near the 18t" hole of Wailua Golf Course called 911 shortly
before 1:30 p.m., when they heard cries for help coming from the beach area nearby.
According to a preliminary investigation, one of the golfers, a 71-year-old Kauai man,
saw a male snorkeler in distress about 50 yards from shore. The man quickly swam out in an
attempt to help the snorkeler; however, he also became distressed and in need of assistance.
Meanwhile, prior to officials arriving on scene, the second male golfer saw another
snorkeler in distress near the shoreline. The golfer, also 71 years old of Kauai, was able to help
guide the male snorkeler safely to shore. The snorkeler left the scene in a private vehicle before
officials arrived.
Shortly after being notified, lifeguards from the Lydgate Tower arrived first on scene and
brought the 71-year-old distressed swimmer safely to shore. Awaiting medics transported him to
Wilcox Hospital, where he has since been treated and released.
Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 soon arrived on scene to assist with locating the remaining
distressed snorkeler, a 46-year-old Kauai man with no known address. Rescuers found the
man unresponsive in the water and brought him to shore, where they began administering CPR.
He was transported to Wilcox Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy is pending. However, foul play is not suspected in the cause of his death.