A 41-year-old visitor from California died while snorkeling off Kaanapali.

The body of the snorkeler, who was reported missing just before 7 p.m. Wednesday, was found this morning by the Maui Fire Department’s helicopter near the Black Rock area. 

The body of an Asian male was spotted about 30 feet below the surface and about 70 feet from the shore near Kaanapali Villas, according to the Maui Fire Department Captain Bram Denhaan.

The victim was last seen entering the ocean fronting Kaanapali Villas at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday with only a snorkel and mask, but without fins, Denhaan said.

He was reported missing by friends at 6:50 p.m.

Lahaina firefighters and a rescue squad from Kahului searched the immediate ocean and shoreline areas with their rescue boat. The Coast Guard was notified at 7 p.m. and assisted the search with their cutter and helicopter. The search was suspended at 2 a.m. this morning and resumed at first light.

The Maui fire department’s rescue divers recovered the body after it was sighted by the fire department’s helicopter at 6:10 a.m. There were no signs of life, Denhaan said.