Hawai‘i Police Department
Ka‘ū Patrol
Acting Captain Pernell Hanoa
Phone: (808) 939-2520
Report No.: 24-004345
Media Release
Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving a 24-year-old man visiting from North Carolina that occurred in Ka‘ū on Saturday morning, January 13, 2024.
Ka‘ū District patrol officers responded at approximately 11:23 a.m. to the South Point area after receiving information that several swimmers were in distress. Police determined that three adult males and one female jumped into the ocean at the “hoist” area and experienced difficulties due to rough ocean conditions.
With the assistance of local by-standers, three of the four distressed swimmers were able to make it safely back to shore. However, one of the swimmers was swept further out to sea. A witness reported seeing the swimmer approximately 75 yards off shore before going under.
Through search efforts of local fisherman and the Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD), fire personnel were able to locate the body of the swimmer, who was later pronounced dead after being transported to the Hilo Medical Center.
He has been positively identified as Carson Philbin of Charlotte, North Carolina.
An autopsy is being ordered to determine the exact cause of death and the investigation remains ongoing at this time.
The Hawai‘i Police Department is asking anyone who has any information regarding this incident to please contact Ka‘ū Patrol Officer Paul Wright III at (808) 939-2520.
