Freediver Missing In Waters Off North Kohala
The search continues Tuesday afternoon for a 44-year-old freediver missing in waters off North Kohala.
The U.S. Coast Guard identified the missing person as Guy Hermogila.
The freediver was last seen about 11 p.m. Monday by family while camping at “Mosquito Bay,” which is located makai of mile marker 8 on Akoni Pule Highway, said Bill Bergin, West Hawaii battalion chief.
Tuesday morning, Hermogila was reported missing by his family. The missing man reportedly had gone diving for lobsters the night before off Black Point, a popular dive spot south of Malae Point, according to the Coast Guard.
The man’s dive float was found in the water yards offshore, however, the rest of his gear is missing, Bergin said.
“We have every reason to believe he was out there so we’re actively searching right now,” Bergin said from the scene.
Currently involved in the effort are fire rescue personnel from the Hawaii Fire Department conducting ground searches and dive Jet Ski search operations in the area, as well as a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew searching from the air, he said.
Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak is also en route from Honolulu to assist in the effort.
The Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders also issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice to Mariners requesting anyone in the area keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 842-2600.
