Firefighters resumed searching today for a 27-year-old swimmer last seen drifting in a southerly direction last night away from McKenzie Beach Park, Big Island firefighters said.

The swimmer had tried unsuccessfully to climb out of the rough surf onto some rocks near Pahoa. Shoreline fishermen tried to help the swimmer when they first spotted him at 7:20 p.m. with ropes and a plastic gallon, but also were unsuccessful.

Firefighters by ground and boat searched by water until near midnight and planned to renew their efforts today.