Visitor drowns during Kona snorkeling tour

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Police are investigating a possible drowning Monday evening offshore of Makako Bay in Kailua-Kona.

Police have identified the victim as 68-year-old Martha Kurica of Colorado Springs, Colo.

According to police, Kurica was on a guided snorkeling tour in Makako Bay when she became distressed and unresponsive.

Kurica was brought aboard the vessel used to transport patrons of the tour, and CPR was initiated. She was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 8:12 p.m.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death. Foul play is not suspected.