Island visitor dies after apparent drowning near Kealakekua Bay, officials say

KAILUA-KONA — A 66-year-old woman is dead after an apparent drowning near Kealakekua Bay Friday morning.

Just before 10 a.m., the Hawaii Fire Department was called to a possible drowning in South Kona waters. The woman, a visitor, was snorkeling on a boat tour when the incident occurred, according to Hawaii Police. Officials were not sure exactly where the incident took place, but when they arrived on scene the boat came into Kealakekua Bay in an effort to get the victim to shore. Fire officials said they didn’t know where the boat was coming from. With the assistance of Hawaii Fire personnel, the victim was brought to shore by a paddleboard and then taken to Kona Community Hospital. Circumstances surrounding the apparent drowning are unknown at this time.