Hawai‘i Island authorities are in the midst of investigating a tragic incident that unfolded last Saturday, involving a 37-year-old man from Hilo named Garrett Amaral, who is feared to have drowned in Nā‘ālehu. The investigation commenced after a call for a missing diver at Whittington Beach Park was received.
Responding to the distress call at around 2:10 p.m., Ka'ū patrol officers, along with the Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel, initiated a search operation. Amaral was discovered unresponsive, in the water about 100 yards from the shore. Despite efforts from the medics to resuscitate Amaral, he was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival at the shore, as detailed in an official report from the Hawai‘i Police Department.
As of now, foul play is not being considered by investigators in connection with Amaral's passing. The exact circumstances that led to this unfortunate event have yet to be fully discerned, the police authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities are extending an open invitation for individuals with any relevant information to step forward. The Hawai‘i Police Department's non-emergency line is available at (808) 935-3311, and Ka‘ū Patrol Officer Augustine Akiu can be emailed directly at [email protected] regarding this matter, should one choose to provide assistance to the ongoing investigation.
