Fire/rescue personnel responded to a 12:49 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4 alarm to Kehena Beach to recover a drowning victim 150 yards offshore. The victim, who appeared to be a man in his 50s, had been swept out by high surf and strong currents.
Five people were in the ocean assisting the victim who was recovered by Chopper One with a Billy Pugh net. Medics on scene determined the victim had drowned. The five other swimmers were brought to shore by a rescue boat.
Authorities sectioned off a landing zone at Kalapana Seaview Estates and shut down Highway 137 during the rescue and recovery effort.
The National Weather Service has a high surf advisory for east shores of the Big Island with possible 6-9 foot surf until 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5.