Update: Swimmer thought to be missing in waters off Kapa‘a Beach Park found and safe

Update at 1:37 p.m. Jan. 6: A swimmer who went missing Friday evening in waters off Kapa‘a Beach Park has been located and is safe. Officials said the man was not missing nor was he in distress while swimming Friday afternoon.

Update at 11:48 a.m. Jan. 6: The Kaua‘i Fire Department’s search for a swimmer who went missing Friday evening in waters off Kapa‘a Beach Park was suspended at 11:20 a.m. Saturday, pending any new information.

The U.S. Coast Guard remains on scene.

Original post: A multi-agency search led by the Kaua‘i Fire Department resumed Saturday morning for a swimmer who went missing Friday evening in waters off Kapa‘a Beach Park on Kaua‘i. So far, there have been no sightings of the missing man.

Shortly before 5:30 p.m. Friday, Kaua‘i firefighters were dispatched to waters fronting Pono Kai Resort in Kapa‘a after receiving a report of a possible swimmer in distress. According to a preliminary report, a bystander spotted a man swimming and waving for help.

The bystander attempted to swim out to the man with a rescue tube, but could not locate him from the water. The bystander returned to shore and called 911.

Witnesses reported seeing a heavier-set male with long, grayish hair and no shirt snorkeling Friday. However, no one has been officially reported missing.

Kapa‘a firefighters, Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 and Ocean Safety Bureau officials from the East Roving Unit responded to the scene and initiated an air and sea search Friday evening. Kaua‘i Fire Department officials later suspended the search because of darkness, finding no signs of the victim.

The U.S. Coast Guard also responded to the scene and continued search efforts overnight Friday.

The search resumed Saturday morning, with firefighters and lifeguards on personal watercraft, Air 1, U.S. Coast Guard and personnel walking the shoreline.

Anyone with information about the missing swimmer is urged to call Kaua‘i Police Department dispatch at 808-241-1711.

Updates about the search effort will be given as information becomes available.