A 43-year-old Big Island man was rescued this morning after clinging to an offshore rock all night, fire officials said.

They said the man became separated from friends while laying nets near the 19-mile mark off of Highway 19 near Laupahoehoe.

Hawaii County Fire Department rescuers were called to the area just before 2 a.m. today, but were unable to reach the man due to rough ocean conditions and darkness.

At first light today, a county helicopter was launched and brought the man safely back to shore, fire officials said.