HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-22 KPD NR Search continues on Tuesday for missing diverDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: June 22, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
(808) 241-1600
Search continues on Tuesday for missing diver
‘ELE‘ELE – Multiple agencies continued on Tuesday to search for 47-year-old Nelson Kupenes of
Waimea.
According to a preliminary report, Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) personnel responded to a
report of a missing diver on Monday at approximately 7:50 a.m. According to the report, the diver was
last seen preparing for a dive Sunday afternoon at Glass Beach in ‘Ele‘ele.
Personnel with the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) led today’s search efforts in collaboration
with KFD, Ocean Safety Bureau, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and Rescue 3 aboard Air 1. All agencies also
initially responded to the incident on Monday.
KFD deployed firefighters from the Hanapēpē fire station to conduct a land search from
Hanapēpē Bay to Wahiawa Bay. Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 also conducted a search by air from Hanapēpē
Bay to Wahiawa Bay.
The search remains ongoing and anyone with information about the missing diver is urged to
call KPD Dispatch at 241-1711.
Nelson Kupenes.
Photos from Tuesday’s search operation.
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