Free diver missing

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A 33-year-old Kona woman went missing Sunday while free diving near Kapoho Bay.

A 33-year-old Kona woman went missing Sunday while free diving near Kapoho Bay.

Amber Savant was spear fishing with friends about 150 yards from shore when when a rip current pulled her into deeper water, according to Hawaii Fire Department.

She was last seen Sunday wearing camouflage pants, a black tank top, dive weights and carrying a spear gun, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. She and a diving companion encountered strong tides and currents that immediately swept her offshore during their first dive at 2:30 p.m., the Coast Guard said.

The search Monday includes a Coast Guard helicopter and airplane from Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu, Coast Guard patrol boat Kittiwake from Honolulu, a U.S. Navy helicopter, and two jet ski crews and a helicopter crew from Hawaii County Fire Department.

Coast Guard spokeswoman Sara Moores said the search was occurring as far as 35 miles offshore.

The search had covered 1,914 square-miles as of 11 a.m., she said.

On-scene weather conditions are reportedly 11 mph winds and 5-foot seas.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 842-2600.