Body thought to be that of visitor who went missing in waters of Boiling Pots

Hawai‘i Island police have recovered a man’s body thought to be that of a visitor who went missing 2 days before in the waters of the Wailuku River in Hilo.

Hawai‘i Fire Department rescue personnel located and extricated the body at about 2:10 p.m. Thursday.

The man’s body was found about 30 feet underwater in one of the pools at the Boiling Pots section of Wailuku River State Park.

The body was then transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for pronouncement of death.

A coroner’s inquest investigation was initiated and autopsy ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are withholding the man’s identity pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

First responders, including police and fire personnel, responded about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to a swimmer in distress call at Boiling Pots after witnesses reported an unidentified man enter the water and get immediately pulled under the rapids.

Witnesses lost sight of him and he never resurfaced.

Rescue personnel and first responders initiated an extensive search, but were hindered by strong river currents, which are also thought to be a contributing factor to why the man disappeared in the river’s waters.

The male swimmer was tentatively identified to police by a witness.

Detectives with the Hawai‘i Police Department Area I Criminal Investigation Section continue to investigate.

Anyone who might have information about this incident is asked to call Detective Kimo Keli‘ipa‘akaua at 808-961-2375 or email him at kimo.keliipaakaua@hawaiicounty.gov.