The Hawai‘i County Police Department is investigating a possible drowning, involving an unidentified Caucasian man who appeared to be in his 30s, at O-Tech Beach in Kailua-Kona.

On Sunday, Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a swimmer in distress at O-Tech Beach. It was reported that three men, including the victim, were near the bathrooms when the man fell into the water and due to the large waves, was not able to return to land.

The two men were observed trying to coach him back to land; however, the victim could not swim back to shore. Hawai‘i County Fire Department rescue personnel arrived on the scene and conducted a search, locating the victim, who had no signs of life and transported him to Honokōhau Harbor via a boat. He was then transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Kona Patrol Officer Sarha Reich at the police department’s non-emergency number (808) 935-3311 or via email at Sarha.Reich@hawaiicounty.gov.