Search continues for missing swimmer

KALIHIWAI — The search for a 19-year-old missing swimmer, Jaren Asalele of O‘ahu, in waters off Kalihiwai on the North Shore, will continue Monday.

The search for Asalele was initiated shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday, when he was seen in distress while swimming at Kalihiwai Beach.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Hanalei firefighters, Ocean Safety Bureau officers on personal watercraft, rescue specialists aboard the county’s emergency helicopter, Kaua‘i Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene and conducted an air-, sea-, and shoreline-search. Operations were suspended Saturday evening with no sign of the victim.

Rescuers resumed the search for Asalele on Sunday morning, with resources from the KFD, OSB, KPD, U.S. Coast Guard and volunteers with Kaua‘i Search and Rescue. However, they were unable to locate the victim.

The search was suspended at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, and all agencies are expected to resume on Monday morning.

Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, are assisting Asalele’s family.

According to a preliminary report, the man was last seen Saturday afternoon swimming at Kalihiwai Beach, when he became distressed. A family member entered the water and attempted to help the man, but could not locate him after the swimmer went under water and did not resurface.

Asalele is 6-feet, 1-inch tall and weighs approximately 165 pounds. He was last seen wearing orange swim shorts. Anyone with information about the missing swimmer is urged to call KPD dispatch at 808-241-1711.
Source: The Garden Island