Man Dies Following Swordfish Attack

A 47-year-old man has died following a fishing accident that occurred at Honokohau Harbor Friday morning, according to the Hawai’i Police Department.

HPD officers responded to a 10:48 a.m. call where they learned that a man had jumped into the water with a spear gun at the harbor after observing a swordfish in the water.

After jumping into the water, the fish was reportedly seen thrashing about. Department of Land and Natural Resources officials say the swordfish retaliated after being speared.

HPD says the man, identified as Randy Llanes, was left with a puncture wound in his upper chest.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation says staff at the harbor witnessed the incident and that the man was pulled from the water by onlookers.

Hawai’i County Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and tried to revive Llanes through cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Llanes was pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m. after being taken to Kona Community Hospital.

According to the DNLR, the fish measured to be about 3 feet long and weighed approximately 40 pounds.

Officers with the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources are investigating the incident. HPD officers were also reportedly taking statements from bystanders.