State ocean enforcement officials were investigating the death of a 60-year-old Lahaina snorkeler who was struck by a boat Thursday morning off West Maui.

William W. Gonzales, a canoe race official, sustained injuries to both legs and was transported to shore by a county lifeguard personal watercraft, authorities said.

Gonzales was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he died of his injuries, Maui police said.

Authorities said Gonzales was snorkeling about 200 to 600 yards off Hanakaoo Beach when a privately owned, 19-foot-long water ski boat struck him sometime between 11:30 and 11:40 a.m. Thursday.

Maui County ocean safety official Archie Kalepa said Gonzales might have been checking the canoe racing flags.

Napili Canoe Club head coach Joey Tihada said Gonzales, who was a canoe race official for Maui County and statewide races, had planned to check the flags before an upcoming race.

Tihada described Gonzales as a long-standing participant in the canoe racing community.

"It’s a big loss not only for the paddling community, but the community of Lahaina who knew him," Tihada said. "He was a good man."

Tihada said Gonzales helped weigh the canoes before races and also helped coach children in paddling.

State ocean enforcement officials were looking into whether any safety rules were violated in the incident.