Portlock fishing trip turns deadly

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

A 43-year-old Honolulu man died yesterday afternoon after he was swept into the ocean while trying to save his friend near Portlock.

Police said the man was fishing with a female friend at China Wall when the woman decided to go for a swim. She got caught in the current and began to panic, police said.

The man went into the water and was swept out by a large wave about 2:20 p.m., police said. The woman managed to make it back to the rocky shoreline, but the man did not, police said.

Surfers in the area discovered the man floating unconscious in the water and brought him to shore, where bystanders performed CPR. He was taken to Straub Clinic and Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The man's name was not released last night. An autopsy will be done.

China Wall is a popular surfing and swimming spot near Koko Kai Park. But the area has proven deadly over the years because of its dangerous currents.

Fire officials have described China Wall as a "reverse blowhole" because the surf comes into a cove and blows sideways, instead of straight up. Inexperienced swimmers often go in, unaware of the hazards.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8025.