Search continues for missing swimmer off Kaua‘i’s North Shore

The search for a 19-year-old missing swimmer in waters off Kalihiwai on the North Shore continues today.

The search for Jaren Asalele, of O‘ahu, was initiated shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday, when he was seen in distress while swimming at Kalihiwai Beach.

Hanalei firefighters, Ocean Safety Bureau officers on jet-ski, Rescue 3 specialists aboard Air 1, Kaua‘i Police Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene and conducted an air-, sea-, and shoreline-search. Operations were suspended Saturday evening with no sign of the victim.

Rescuers resumed the search for Asalele on Sunday morning, with resources from the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Ocean Safety Bureau, Kaua‘i Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and volunteers with Kaua‘i Search and Rescue. However, they were unable to locate the victim.

The search was suspended at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sunday, and all agencies were expected to resume on this morning.

Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, are assisting Asalele’s family.