Hawaii Police Department reported that on Friday, October 5, at approximately 11:20 a.m., officers responded to Coconut Island for a reported spear fisherman in distress. Fire Department Rescue personnel were already on scene. A 77-year-old man had been found on the bottom of the ocean and was brought to the shore by bystanders. By the time rescue personnel arrived, he was out of the water and unresponsive. The man was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Police are continuing the investigation and initiated an Coroner’s Inquest to determine exact cause of death. The name of the deceased man is not being released at this time.
