Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
The Coast Guard suspended a search Tuesday morning for a diver reported missing off Pahoehoe Beach on Hawaii island.
At about 2:11 p.m. Monday, the Coast Guard received a report from the Hawaii County Fire Department of a missing diver described to be in his early 20s and approximately 150 pounds with red hair, according to a Coast Guard release.
He was last seen entering the water from Pahoehoe Beach at 12:40 p.m. wearing blue board shorts and a white rash guard with blue lettering. He was equipped with fins, a mask and a backup regulator.
A good Samaritan kept watch of the diver after the bystander noticed the diver was alone and without any safety gear. The bystander, an experienced diver, told the Coast Guard the missing diver had only enough oxygen to last for 80 minutes when he entered the water.
After two hours passed with no sight of the diver, the good Samaritan called the Fire Department.
The department deployed its helicopter, rescue boat and ground crews, and the Coast Guard responded with its MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and cutter Kiska.
Winds were at 10 mph and wave conditions were 2 feet at the time the diver was reported missing.
The Fire Department could not be reached Tuesday to determine whether it will continue its search.