A multiagency search is underway in Kauai for a 44-year-old diver who disappeared in the waters off Hanalei Bay earlier this week, authorities said Thursday.
The missing diver has been identified as Bryson Higashi, who was last seen around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Hanalei area. His truck was later discovered parked near the bay, left unattended for an entire day, according to officials.
Coast Guard Deployment
The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center received an alert at 7:36 p.m. Wednesday from the Kauai Fire Department regarding a possible person in the water.
“Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and coordinated the diversion of a Coast Guard Station Kauai 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
The Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) has also joined the search effort.
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Multiagency Search
The search for Higashi includes teams from the Kauai Police Department, Kauai Fire Department, Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, and multiple Coast Guard units.
Higashi is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds.
Weather Conditions and Call for Information
Search operations are being carried out under challenging conditions, with 15 mph winds, seas of 2 to 4 feet, occasional showers, and reduced visibility.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that may assist in locating Higashi to contact the U.S. Coast Guard immediately.
