Scuba Forum
 
#1787
 Big Island Swimmer Missing 08/31/08
NVR2L8 - 9/23/2008 9:46 AM
Category: Health & Safety
Replies: 0

Search called off with evidence of shark attack

A Big Island man is missing at sea

Star-Bulletin Staff
citydesk [ at ] starbulletin.com


Firefighters called off an ocean search for a 24-year-old man this afternoon after rescuers found some of his clothing that appeared to have been hit by a shark.

Police identified the man as Kameron Brown of Pahoa.

Firefighters said after finding Brown’s clothing and speaking with the man’s family, they decided to call off the search at about 2 p.m. for the safety of the divers, said Battalion Chief Darren Rosario.

A large white shark was seen in the area earlier in the day, Rosario said.

Brown was reported in trouble at McKenzie Beach Park in Pahoa at 7:20 p.m., according to a Big Island fire news release.

He tried to climb onto some rocks in rough surf, and fishermen on shore tried to throw him ropes and a plastic gallon, firefighters said. But Brown never made it to shore.

Bystanders last saw Brown drifting south out of range of flash lights that search parties were using on shore.

About 10 firefighters searched by boat and on shore Saturday night. A fire helicopter joined the search Sunday morning and five divers took three dives but didn’t find any human remains.