Hawai‘i Island police investigate suspected drowning of Colorado visitor

Hawai’i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving a 68-year-old woman from Colorado that occurred Monday evening off the shore of Makako Bay in Kailua-Kona.

Police have identified the victim as Martha Kurica of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

On Monday at 7:05 p.m., Kona Patrol Officers along with Hawai’i Fire Department personnel, responded to the Honokohau Boat Harbor in Kailua Kona, on a report of a possible drowning.

Through investigation, it was learned that Kurica was participating in a guided snorkeling tour in the area of Makako Bay when she was observed to be in distress. An employee of the snorkeling tour retrieved a flotation device to assist Kurica and discovered that she was unresponsive. Kurica was brought aboard the vessel used to transport patrons of the tour, where a crew member began CPR.

The victim was transported to the Honokohau Boat Harbor and medical treatment was continued by Medics with the Hawai’i Fire Department. Kurica was taken to the Kona Community Hospital for additional treatment.

Life-saving measures were unsuccessful and Kurica was pronounced dead at 8:12 p.m.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected.

Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Kona Patrol Officer Dylan Chaves at 808-935-3311 or by e-mail at [email protected] .