Hawaii island police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation in connection with the body of a man found floating face down in Hilo Bay on Thursday evening. 

Shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to the 100 block of Banyan Drive to a report of a body floating in the bay. 

Police found the man floating about 15 feet from shore. Officers and Fire Department personnel helped bring the unresponsive man to shore. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was officially pronounced dead at 9:02 p.m. 

Police are attempting to identify the body and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. 

Police ask anyone with information about this case to call the Police Department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide CrimeStoppers number at 961-8300.