Rescue crews search for missing swimmer off Kalihiwai waters

Rescuers are actively searching for a missing swimmer in waters off Kalihiwai on the North Shore.

According to a preliminary report from Kaua‘i Police Department, Jaren Asalele, 19, of O‘ahu, was last seen Saturday afternoon swimming at Kalihiwai Beach when he became distressed. A family member entered the water and attempted to help the teen, but could not locate him after the swimmer went under water and did not resurface.

First responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3 p.m. Hanalei firefighters, Ocean Safety Bureau officers on jet-ski, and Rescue 3 specialists aboard Air 1 responded to the call and initiated an air- and sea-based search. Kaua‘i police also joined the search on land, along with the U.S. Coast Guard with air and sea assets. However, due to darkness, officials suspended the search Saturday evening after seeing no sign of the victim.

The air-, sea-, and shoreline-search resumed Sunday morning with resources from the Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Ocean Safety Bureau, the Kaua‘i Police Department, and volunteers with Kaua‘i Search and Rescue, a non-profit organization.

Asalele is 6-feet, 1-inch tall and weighs approximately 165 pounds. He was last seen wearing orange swim shorts. Anyone with information about the missing swimmer is urged to call KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711.
Updates on the search will be given as information becomes available.

A High Surf Advisory is currently in effect for all north-facing shores of Kaua‘i. The advisory may be extended or modified as conditions develop.

For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo. For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.