Authorities search for diver who went missing in waters off Hawaii coast

Authorities in Hawaii are currently searching for a missing 44-year-old diver, Bryson Higashi, who was last seen on Tuesday in the waters near Kauai. The Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center received a notification on Wednesday from the Kauai Fire Department about a possible person in the water near Hanalei Bay.

The U.S. Coast Guard has deployed multiple resources in the search for Higashi, including a Response Boat-Medium crew, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, and the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart. Higashi, who was last seen around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Hanalei area, is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. His truck was found near Hanalei Bay after being left unattended for a full day.

A coordinated effort involving various agencies such as the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, Coast Guard Station Kauai, Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Kauai Police and Fire Departments, and Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources is currently underway to locate Higashi. The search is being conducted under challenging weather conditions, with 15 mph winds, 2- to 4-foot seas, occasional showers, and reduced visibility.

Authorities are urging anyone with information that may aid in the search efforts to contact the Coast Guard immediately. The search for Bryson Higashi continues as officials remain hopeful for a positive outcome in this ongoing rescue mission.