Search Underway for Missing Kona Swimmer

A missing persons case has been initiated by the Hawai’i Police Department after a swimmer was last seen in the waters off OTEC Beach in Kona.

Officers responded to an 11:49 a.m. call that reported a swimmer in distress. A 26-year-old man said he was swimming with an acquaintance, identified as 26-year-old Richard Demby of Kailua-Kona, but could not find him after he returned to shore.

The shoreline is being searched via helicopter by the Hawai’i County Fire Department.

Demby has been described by HPD as 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about Demby’s whereabouts is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.