Search suspended on Day 4 for missing Alaska visitor

The multiagency search for a 32-year-old woman visiting from Alaska who went missing after being swept away in waters off Hanakāpī‘ai on Kaua‘i’s Nā Pali Coast was suspended Saturday afternoon on its fourth day.

Kaua‘i Police Department on Friday identified the woman as Lauren M. Cameron of Anchorage, Alaska.

“Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lauren,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson.

Kaua‘i Fire Department received a report at about 3 p.m. Wednesday of a missing swimmer in waters off Hanakāpī‘ai Beach. Cameron is reported to have entered the water and was swept away by strong currents.

She was last seen wearing a blue bikini and hanging onto the rocks 100 yards west of Hanakāpī‘ai Beach before being swept into the surf.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders received a report at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday via Kaua‘i Fire Department dispatchers from a bystander on the beach who saw Cameron clinging to the rocks and struggling in the surf zone.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and a 45-foot response boat with a medium crew from Coast Guard Station Kaua‘i.

U.S. Coast Guard crews searched for a total of about 45 hours, covering more than 430 square nautical miles.

The search spanned from Wednesday afternoon after the call about Cameron being in distress and going missing until Saturday afternoon, when officials suspended their efforts.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the suspension of our search efforts,” said Lt. Cmdr. Raphael Sadowitz, search and rescue mission coordinator with U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Our hearts go out to her loved ones and all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.”

Involved in the search were:

• U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.
• U.S. Coast Guard Station Kaua‘i.
• U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.
• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Hart.
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Air Flotilla 10.
• Kaua‘i Fire Department.
• Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau.
• Kaua‘i Police Department.
• Kaua‘i Search and Rescue.
• Life’s Bridges Hawai‘i.

“Our hearts go out to Lauren’s family and loved ones during this time,” said Kaua‘i Assistant Chief Kalani Ke.

Gibson and Ke thanked all of the first responders and partners who assisted in the multi-day search effort.

Anyone with information about Cameron’s whereabouts or who saw what happened is encouraged to call Kaua‘i police dispatch at 808-241-1711, leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i at 808-246-8300, submit a tip online or use the Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i P3 Tips Mobile App.