A 45-year-old scuba diver, lost at sea for nearly 10 hours, used his flashlight in the early morning darkness to signal a Coast Guard helicopter and was rescued about two miles west of Kaena Point.

A Coast Guard spokesman said the man, wearing a black dive suit, was diving with a group of friends about a mile off Kaena Point at about 12:30 p.m. He was reported missing about 3:30 p.m. after failing to surface as scheduled.

A Coast Guard rescue swimmer aboard the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter sighted the diver, without the use of night vision goggles, as the helicopter was departing the area to refuel.

The rescue swimmer deployed from the helicopter and remained in the water with the diver until the Coast Guard Cutter Ahi arrived at 1:05 a.m. Monday..

The Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department searched for a distance extending nine miles from the diver’s last known location.

The cutter took the man to Barbers Point Harbor where he was met by emergency medical staff and family. He was reported to be in good health.