Kauai Police have identified the man as 55-year-old Scott Akina.
All agencies that participated in Wednesday’s search returned to the scene Thursday morning, including personnel from the Kauai Fire Department, the Kauai Police Department, the Ocean Safety Bureau, the state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Drift projections led rescuers to the area surrounding Kalapaki Bay and Nawiliwili Harbor, where lifeguards and Rescue Specialists have concentrated their search using jet skis, Air 1, and Radon 1. State DOCARE personnel also assisted with a team on jet skis and the Coast Guard covered a larger search pattern utilizing its helicopter and three vessels, including Coast Guard Cutter Ahi.
Kauai police officers executed the land-based search, conducting visual searches along the surrounding coastline.
All agencies are expected to report back to the Incident Command at daylight Friday.
The unified search began at around 8 p.m. Tuesday night when a family member reported that Akina had not returned home after exercising near Ninini Beach, also known as "Running Waters," north of Kalapaki Bay. He is believed to have been swimming at the time of his disappearance.
Police officers reported to Ninini Beach Tuesday night and located some of Akina’s personal belongings, prompting them to call in KFD and the Coast Guard to assist in the search.
Lifeguards with the Ocean Safety Bureau and personnel from state DOCARE then joined the effort Wednesday morning.
A high surf advisory remains in effect for all north and west facing shores through 6 a.m. Saturday. Strong rip currents are expected to make swimming difficult and dangerous.
Officials urge all beach goers to swim within seeing distance of a lifeguard tower and when in doubt, don’t go out.
For a detailed ocean report and list of lifeguarded beaches on Kauai, visit www.kauaiexplorer.com.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
