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Maui suspends search for California man who fell into blowhole

Maui County rescue personnel suspended the search for a 44-year-old California man who fell into a blowhole Saturday on West Maui.

Maui County identified the man as David Potts of Anselmo, Calif.

Witnesses said Potts had his back to the ocean when a large wave threw him into the blowhole at Nakalele Point about 1:30 p.m., said Maui Fire Department Battalion Chief Allen Duarte.

Firefighters searched Saturday afternoon by helicopter and personal watercraft, scanning about two miles of coastline, mostly made up of lava rock cliffs, and half a mile of ocean from shore. Divers also searched underwater.

Firefighters searched again Sunday and Monday before suspending the search at 5:30 p.n. Monday, the county said. Potts is the father of a 7-month old child and is visiting Maui with his family, including his wife and brother-in-law. He was wearing only swimming trunks when he fell into the ocean.

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