Hawai‘i Police Department
Kona Patrol
Lieutenant Erich Jackson
Phone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253
Report No. 23-120872
Media Release
Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving a 57-year-old man from Germany that occurred on Sunday morning, December 24, 2023, in Hokulia Bay in Kailua-Kona.
At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Kona patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD) personnel responded to the Keauhou Pier in Keauhou for a report of a possible drowning.
Through investigation, officers learned that the man was participating in a guided snorkeling tour near Red Hill/ Hokulia when he was observed to be in distress. An employee of the snorkeling tour assisted him to the boat, where he was brought on board unresponsive. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated as the boat returned to Keauhou Boat Harbor, where it was met by HFD medics.
Medics continued medical treatment as the man was taken to the Kona Community Hospital. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced deceased 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. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to please contact Kona Patrol Officer Collin Roberts at (808) 935-3311 or by e-mail at Collin.Robert@hawaiicounty.gov.