A diver apparently drowned Monday in waters south of Lapakahi State Historical Park in North Kohala.

Police said Michael Morriss, 23, of Waimea, was free diving from a boat with two friends approximately 200 yards off shore when his dive partners lost sight of him. After a five-minute search, Morriss was located on the ocean bottom in about 80 feet of water.

Attempts by his partners to bring him to the surface were unsuccessful due to the depth of the water, police said.

The Hawai'i County Fire Department received a call for help at 2:51 p.m. Rescue personnel using scuba gear were able to retrieve Morriss and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation while taking him to Kawaihae harbor. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the harbor.

An autopsy will be requested to determine the exact cause of death.