By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Fire/rescue crews responded to a 2:41 p.m. alarm for a possible drowning off Kehena Beach in Puna Sunday (Jan 6).

Witnesess told rescue crews that a male swimmer about 30 years-old was swept out of the bay by high surf and strong currents. A rescue was attempted by a surfer but the victim disappeared underwater about 100 yards offshore.

The fire department Chopper 1 did a search of the area and dropped two rescue divers into the water for a search. A Coast Guard plane flew in to assist in the search. Crew continued searching until 5:40 p.m. due to poor water visibility and darkness.

The search for the man will resume on Monday (Jan 7) at first light.