Hawai‘i Island police investigate possible drowning after Utah man dies following guided snorkel tour

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning after an elderly visitor was found unresponsive in the water during a snorkel tour in Kealakekua.

At 10:18 a.m. on Thursday, Kona patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to the Keauhou Pier awaiting the snorkel tour company’s return after the crew started CPR on an 83-year-old man from Centerville, Utah.

Following a safety brief, the victim, later identified as Wayne Argyle, was in the water for about five minutes before he was seen by a crew member drifting face down toward the boat. According to police, a crew member tried getting Argyle’s attention by calling his name and then tapping his back, however, he didn’t respond.

Argyle was then brought onto the boat where crew members began CPR as the vessel returned to the Keauhou Boat Harbor where it was met by Hawai‘i Fire medics.

Medics continued treatment as Argyle was transported to the Kona Community Hospital. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and Argyle was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

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 John Harvey at 808-935-3311 or by e-mail at john.harvey@HawaiiCounty.Gov.