Updated at 10:42 a.m., Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Multiple crews searching for scuba diver off Big Island
Advertiser Staff
A search resumed at daybreak today for a 45-year-old man who was reported missing after diving for aquarium fish in ocean waters off the Ka'u area of the Big Island.The scuba diver was reported missing off the Big Island's Pohue Bay at noon yesterday.
The diver was reported missing to the fire department by his diving partner.
The two were on a Boston Whaler boat diving for aquarium fish when the 45-year-old man failed to surface in a reasonable time, the fire department reported.
Searchers located the diver's float buoy about 1/4-mile south of the boat, but no sign of the man.
Today's search involves a Coast Guard C-130 airplane, a Coast Guard Auxiliary light airplane, a Civil Air patrol airplane and a Hawaii County Fire Department helicopter and diver.
Sea conditions in the area are deteriorating, rescuers said. Yesterday, the winds were estimated at 12 knots or less and the seas at two to three feet. Today, the winds have picked up considerably and there is a high-surf warning in effect.
