Large Waves Sweep Teens Into Ocean in Kona

***Updated at 5 p.m. with additional details.***

The Hawaii Fire Department and US Coast Guard continued to search today for for a teenager swept into the ocean Wednesday afternoon by a large wave near Kealakekua Bay.

Big Island police said the youth was part of a youth tour group exploring the coastline near the Captain Cook monument when a large wave surged into a tidal pool where two teens were located.

A guide for the group jumped into the water and was able to grab one of the teens and begin resuscitation efforts. The guide then flagged down a private boater who transported both to the Kealakekua pier.

The 14-year-old boy was met at the pier by county paramedics and transported to Kona Community Hospital. He was later taken to an Oahu hospital. His condition was not immediately available.

When the group reassembled, its members realized that the other boy, a 15-year-old, was missing.

A search for the youth involving both of the fire department’s rescue helicopters, a Coast Guard helicopter and a fire department rescue boat and three SCUBA divers continued until nightfall.

The Coast Guard helicopter continued the search into the night and was rejoined in the effort this morning by rescue crews from the Hawaii Fire Department.

The incident took place near the Ka‘awaloa Lighthouse shortly before 3 p.m., Capt. Winstin Takamoto of the Captain Cook fire station said in a statement.

Ocean conditions at the time included southwest swells of up to five feet, Takamoto said.