Kauai search fails to find 2nd drowning victim

Courtesy Kauai County

Two California men were swept into the sea from this ledge on Friday. The body of one has been recovered, and the search for the second will resumed today.

A Kauai Fire Department search today failed to find a San Francisco man who drowned off South Kalihiwai Point on Friday.

The department’s Air One helicopter made aerial searches in the morning and afternoon today without locating the body of Brian Baker.  

In addition, fire personnel made visual searches from various points along the coast. 

Baker, 47, drowned late Friday afternoon along with 46-year-old Adam Griffiths, who jumped into the choppy waters after Baker was swept in by a rogue wave in an effort to save his friend.  The two hiked with three other friends to the remote and rocky coastal area just south of Kalihiwai Bay before the tragedy occurred.

Griffiths body was found Saturday.

At this time KFD has not determined whether additional searches will be made.

Kaua‘i remains in a high surf warning for north and west facing shores until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. Beachgoers are encouraged to utilize Lydgate, Poipu and Hanapēpē Salt Pond Beach parks during this period of high surf.

The National Weather service advises that anyone entering the waters risks serious injury or death. Information on current ocean conditions can be found at www.kauaiexplorer.com.