Kaua‘i man dies after being swept out to sea while night diving

A diver who was swept off Kaua‘i’s north shore was later found unresponsive and declared dead at the scene.

Kaua‘i first responders were dispatched at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Sunday to Kaʻakaʻaniu Beach, also known as Larsen’s Beach, in Moloaʻa, after receiving a report that a man, later identified as a 26-year-old from Kīlauea, went missing while diving. According to a preliminary report, his companions saw him being swept away by the current and called 911.

Responding agencies actively searched the area, including personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Kaua‘i Police Department’s drone team.

At approximately 11:40 p.m., the individual was observed to be unresponsive in the water and was brought to shore by personnel with the U.S. Coast Guard. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared deceased at the scene.

An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, but foul play is not suspected.

Kaʻakaʻaniu Beach is not staffed with lifeguards, and the public is strongly advised to exercise caution if entering the water. Authorities recommend only swimming at beaches where lifeguards are present.