24-year-old vanishes underwater after wave sweeps him off rocks, Hawaii officials say

A 24-year-old vanished underwater after a wave swept him into the rough ocean, Hawaii officials said.

The man was climbing rocks Monday when he was swept away to sea at Makapuu Beach Park, the Honolulu Fire Department said.

“He was briefly seen 100 feet from shore shortly after being swept into the rough water, but was not located for approximately 10 minutes after that initial sighting,” the fire department said in a news release.

Fire officials said they sent 17 people to the scene to search for the lost beachgoer. The currents and high waves, however, made the search operation difficult, the fire department said.

Two scuba divers searched Makapuu Point back to Makapuu Beach Park multiple times during daylight hours. Rescuers in a helicopter also searched the area.

The search ended after dark Monday and was expected to continue Tuesday morning, the fire department said.

The man was last seen wearing a black rash guard and blue striped shorts. He was described as a “moderate swimmer.”

The current conditions at the state park are hazardous both nearshore and offshore, according to the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.

“Conditions are extremely hazardous,” the association said. “People are advised to stay out of the ocean.”

This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 5:43 PM with the headline "24-year-old vanishes underwater after wave sweeps him off rocks, Hawaii officials say."