Rescue personnel from the Kauai Fire Department and Coast Guard tried unsuccessfully to recover two bodies floating in choppy waters off of Kauai’s north shore today, Kauai County said.

Visitors spotted the bodies in waters below a cliff near South Kalihiwai Point and called 911 about 5:10 p.m. A Coast Guard vessel and a county helicopter were unable to retrieve the bodies because of rough ocean conditions.

Rescue personnel said the bodies appeared to be lifeless and were observed in the water for about 40 minutes. Officials did not know their identities.

The search was called off at 6:35 p.m. due to darkness and high surf. Fire Department personnel will resume the search Saturday morning.

Earlier today, Kauai officials closed all north shore beaches today due to high surf and strong currents.

Oahu lifeguards today performed six rescues and took 2,130 preventative actions as an unusual long-period northwest swell brought continued high surf to north and west shores.