Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Fire crews recovered the body of a 79-year-old Kohala man Monday morning in the ocean off the North Kohala coast.

Fire officials were alerted about 11:20 a.m. and arrived to find a body floating facedown in waters near Old Halaula Lighthouse Road, just east of Kapaau.

Fire crews were assisted by Coast Guard and police personnel.

Two fire helicopters were used to recover the body, which was found 200 yards offshore.

Fire officials reported the man’s family was at the scene.

A medic unit met the helicopter at Kamehameha Park, and transported the body to Kohala Hospital.

Police have initiated an investigation into the death, but a report from the Fire Department listed the incident as a drowning.