Search For Diver Missing in Kaua‘i Waters Continues

Multiple agencies continued on Tuesday to search for 47-year-old Nelson Kupenes of Waimea.

According to a preliminary report, Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) personnel responded to a report of a missing diver on Monday at approximately 7:50 a.m. According to the report, the diver was last seen preparing for a dive Sunday afternoon at Glass Beach in ‘Ele‘ele.

Personnel with the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) led Tuesday’s search efforts in collaboration with KFD, Ocean Safety Bureau, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and Rescue 3 aboard Air 1. All agencies also initially responded to the incident on Monday.

KFD deployed firefighters from the Hanapēpē fire station to conduct a land search from Hanapēpē Bay to Wahiawa Bay. Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 also conducted a search by air from Hanapēpē Bay to Wahiawa Bay.

The search remains ongoing and anyone with information about the missing diver is urged to call KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711