Police identify 37-year-old diver who likely drowned in Nāʻālehu

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating the death on Saturday in Nāʻālehu of a 37-year-old who has been identified as Garrett Amaral of Hilo.

At 2:10 p.m. on Jan. 24, Ka‘ū patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to Whittington Beach Park regarding a report of a missing diver.

Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel searched by helicopter and located Amaral unresponsive in the water about 100 yards off shore. He was brought to shore as medics provided life-saving measures, but they could not revive him.

At this time, no foul play is suspected and the investigation of the possible drowning remains open, police said.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to please call the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 or email Ka‘ū Patrol Officer Augustine Akiu at augustine.akiu@hawaiipolice.gov.