Coroner’s inquest launched in possible drowning in waters off Kona

A 57-year-old man from Germany died on Christmas Eve after a snorkeling tour in waters off Kona and Big Island police are investigating.

At 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Kona patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to a report of a possible drowning at the Keauhou Boat Harbor in Keauhou.

Officers learned that the man was participating in a guided snorkeling tour near Red Hill/Hokulia when he was seen in distress. An tour employee assisted him to the boat. The man was unresponsive when brought aboard.

CPR was performed on the man while the boat returned to Keauhou Boat Harbor, where it was met by medics with the Fire Department. Medics continued medical treatment while transporting the man to Kona Community Hospital.

Efforts to save the man’s life were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.

A coroner’s inquest was launched to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected.

The man’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Kona Patrol Officer Collin Roberts at 808-935-3311 or by email at Collin.Robert@hawaiicounty.gov.