A teenage diver died yesterday after he may have been run over by a boat in Maunalua Bay, authorities said.

The teen was taken to a local trauma center where he was later pronounced dead, said Bryan Cheplic, city Department of Emergency Services spokesman. The teen was on shore when paramedics arrived after receiving the call at 12:59 p.m.

The teenager appeared to be among a group of divers, Cheplic said. He may have been struck or run over by a boat, Cheplic said.

The accident is believed to have occurred in the channel that runs from the Kalaniana'ole Highway Bridge out into the bay.

Capt. Joe Zbin, who operates a dive company in Maunalua Bay, said he heard sirens and learned that a fishing boat came to the boat ramp with two injured people aboard.

The bay is popular with divers and Zbin often sees red dive flags floating in the bay, indicating divers are in the water.

Sometimes the dive buoys are near the channel, which links the Hawai'i Kai Marina to Maunalua Bay.

"It's a busy bay out there, especially on the weekend," said Katie Scott, a Hui Nalu Canoe Club coach. "Many boats leave the marina far faster than the 5 mph posted. We as canoe paddlers are always aware of that."

Zbin, who went out later in the bay, said he doesn't remember seeing many dive flags yesterday.

"Usually there are a lot of dive flags, especially on the weekend," Zbin said. "We are constantly on the radio letting other boaters know where to watch out for the free divers."