Hawai‘i Island police are investigating the possible drowning of a 16-year-old boy and his missing 14-year-old brother in the waters off Shipman/Haena Beach in Puna. Yesterday, Puna Patrol officers and Hawai’i County Fire Department personnel responded to Shipman/Haena Beach after receiving a report of multiple swimmers in distress.
Several adults and two boys were swimming when they were swept out by the current and high surf. The two adults and the 16-year-old were rescued from the water by the fire department’s helicopter. The 14-year-old has not yet been located. HFD medics began CPR on the 16-year-old and transported him to Hilo Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel responded to assist in this investigation. Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation for the 16-year-old victim. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death while a missing person case has been initiated for the 14-year-old boy.
Hawai’i Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard continued searching the area until nightfall. The Hawai’i Fire Department will resume their search this morning.