Visitor in critical condition after found face down in waters off Lāwa‘i Beach

A man visiting from Japan is in critical condition after being pulled from waters off Lāwa‘i Beach on Wednesday.

According to a preliminary report, Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel with the Kōloa Fire Station received a report from Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch of a surfer who pulled a male snorkeler from waters off Lāwa‘i Beach at approximately 12:35 p.m.

The surfer discovered the snorkeler, a 66-year-old man, face down 30 to 40 feet from shore, according to preliminary reports from Kaua‘i Police.

Firefighters arrived on scene and immediately administered CPR on the visitor, who was unconscious. Fire personnel utilized the Lucas device and AED on the snorkeler before medics arrived.

American Medical Personnel took over advanced medical care and transported the man to Wilcox Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.

The scene was cleared at approximately 1:10 p.m.

The Visitor Aloha Society of Kauaʻi, a nonprofit that provides emergency needs for visitors, is assisting the victim’s family.