An ocean search is currently underway for a missing swimmer off the “Cliffhouse” area of Kapalua in Maui. The search began on Monday in response to a report of a 42-year-old California man who was washed out in rough conditions after jumping from the rocks into the ocean. Despite efforts by rescue swimmers and searches conducted by air and shoreline, the search was suspended on Monday evening due to darkness. The search resumed at first light the next morning with the addition of SCUBA divers, but as of now, there have been no signs of the missing swimmer. The search will continue throughout the day, with authorities describing today’s ocean conditions as “slightly calmer” compared to yesterday.
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1. Overview of the incident
Details of the incident
On Monday, November 20, 2023, a 42-year-old California man went missing while swimming off the “Cliffhouse” area of Kapalua in West Maui. The incident occurred when the man jumped from the rocks into the ocean and was washed out in rough conditions. Authorities were notified at 3:38 p.m. and immediately responded to the scene.
Response from authorities
Upon receiving the report, rescue swimmers were inserted into the water, and searches were conducted both by air and along the shoreline. However, due to darkness, the search was suspended on Monday evening. The search operation resumed at first light the next day, with the addition of SCUBA divers. As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, no signs of the missing swimmer had been found.
2. Description of the search operation
Search efforts on Monday
After being notified about the missing swimmer, the authorities swiftly deployed various units to conduct the search operation. These units included Engine 11, Engine 3, Ladder 3, Rescue 10, Air 1, Jet Skis 3 and 11 from the Ocean Safety division, as well as assistance from the US Coast Guard. Rescue swimmers were inserted into the water, and both aerial and shoreline searches were conducted throughout the day.
Continuation of search on Tuesday
The search operation recommenced at first light on Tuesday, and SCUBA divers were added to the search efforts. Despite these combined efforts, as of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, no signs of the missing swimmer had been discovered. The search will continue throughout the day until further updates are provided.
3. Ocean conditions during the incident
Condition of ocean on Monday
Authorities described the ocean conditions as “very rough” on Monday, which may have contributed to the swimmer being washed out. The rough conditions posed a challenge for rescue swimmers and increased the difficulty of locating the missing individual.
Condition of ocean on Tuesday
On Tuesday, the ocean conditions were reported to be “slightly calmer” compared to the previous day. While this may make the search operation somewhat easier, the search efforts remain ongoing, and authorities are actively monitoring any changes in weather and ocean conditions.
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4. Units involved in the search operation
Fire Department units
The Maui Fire Department was at the forefront of the search operation, with units such as Engine 11, Engine 3, Ladder 3, and Rescue 10 actively participating in the search efforts. These units played a vital role in coordinating the search and conducting rescue operations.
Assistance from the US Coast Guard
In addition to the Fire Department units, the US Coast Guard provided valuable assistance during the search operation. Their resources, expertise, and equipment greatly enhanced the search efforts and ensured a coordinated and comprehensive approach to locating the missing swimmer.
5. Status of the search as of Tuesday
No signs of the missing swimmer found
Despite the diligent efforts of the search teams, as of Tuesday afternoon, no signs of the missing swimmer have been found. The search operation continues, and authorities are exploring all avenues to locate the individual and ensure their safety.
Search will continue throughout the day
The search efforts will continue throughout the day until further updates are provided. Authorities remain committed to finding the missing swimmer and will exhaust all available resources to achieve a successful outcome.
6. Similar incidents in the past
Coast Guard search for missing swimmer off Oahu
In the past, there have been similar incidents where individuals have gone missing while swimming in the waters off Oahu. The US Coast Guard has conducted search operations in these cases and has been instrumental in locating and rescuing individuals in distress.
Search for missing medical personnel
There have also been instances where medical personnel have gone missing during their duties. Search operations involving various agencies and organizations have been carried out to locate these missing individuals and ensure their safe return.
Search for missing mariners off Midway Island
The search for missing mariners off Midway Island is another example of the efforts made by authorities to locate individuals in potentially perilous situations. The coordination between different units and agencies plays a crucial role in these search operations.
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Visitors going missing in different locations also necessitate comprehensive search operations involving multiple units and agencies. These incidents reinforce the importance of vigilance and safety precautions when exploring unfamiliar environments.
7. Comments section
Purpose of the comments section
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Community guidelines
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8. Related articles
Coast Guard suspends search for missing swimmer off Oahu
In a previous incident off Oahu, the search for a missing swimmer was eventually suspended by the Coast Guard. This article provides more information on that specific incident and the circumstances surrounding the decision to suspend the search.
Search underway for 3 people aboard missing medical…
An ongoing search operation for three missing individuals aboard a medical vessel is highlighted in this article. The search efforts involve multiple agencies and highlight the challenges faced during the search for missing persons.
9. Contact information and legal details
Contact information for Maui Now
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Privacy policy and copyright details
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