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Press Release | Dec. 14, 2024

Coast Guard suspends search for missing swimmer off Kauai

Coast Guard District 14 External Affairs - Office: (808) 535-3230 / After Hours: (808) 265-7748

HONOLULU – The Coast Guard suspended its search Saturday for a 32-year-old woman who went missing while swimming off the coast of Kauai Wednesday. 

Coast Guard crews searched for approximately 45 hours, covering more than 430 square nautical miles. 

"We are deeply saddened to announce the suspension of our search efforts,” said Lt. Cmdr. Raphael Sadowitz, search and rescue mission coordinator, Sector Honolulu. “Our hearts go out to her loved ones and all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.” 

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders received a report at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday via Kauai Fire Department dispatchers from a bystander on the beach who saw the swimmer clinging to the rocks and struggling in the surf zone. 

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Kauai. 

Involved in the search: 

  • Coast Guard Sector Honolulu 

  • Coast Guard Station Kauai 

  • Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point 

  • Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) 

  • Coast Guard Auxiliary Air Flotilla 10 

  • Kauai Fire Department 

  • Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau 

  • Kauai Police Department 

  • Kauai Search and Rescue 

  • Life’s Bridges Hawaii 

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-USCG- 

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