Coast Guard joins search for diver who vanished off Kauai
The 44-year-old freediver, Bryson Higashi, disappeared near Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore; authorities mobilized multiple Coast Guard assets as weather and seas hinder the search.
The U.S. Coast Guard said it has joined the search for Bryson Higashi, a 44-year-old diver who disappeared while freediving in the waters off Kauai's north shore near Hanalei Bay on Tuesday afternoon. Higashi was last seen around 4:30 p.m. local time, the Coast Guard said.
The Kauai Fire Department notified the Coast Guard at 7:36 p.m. Wednesday of a possible person in the water near Hanalei Bay. In response, watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and diverted multiple assets: a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Station Kauai, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, an HC-130 Hercules aircraft, and the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart. Higashi’s truck was found abandoned near Hanalei Bay after a full day, suggesting he may have been in the area.
Higashi is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and about 180 pounds. The Kauai Fire Department, Kauai Police Department and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources are assisting in the search. On-scene weather as of Thursday included 15 mph winds, 2- to 4-foot seas with showers and reduced visibility, conditions that can complicate surface and underwater searches.
The search involves multiple agencies and assets, with crews scouring the coastline and surrounding waters around Hanalei Bay as weather allows. The Coast Guard emphasized coordinated, multi-platform coverage to monitor both air and sea space in a remote and challenging portion of the Hawaiian Islands.
Freediving carries inherent risks, and authorities urge the public to contact emergency services if they see someone in distress. Hanalei Bay and Kauai's northern shore are known for strong currents and reef structures that can complicate search efforts, particularly in variable conditions."
The Kauai Police Department said in a message to the public that your assistance could make a significant difference, and officials noted that the case remains active as crews continue to monitor weather and adjust coverage as needed. The U.S. Coast Guard said conditions could shift, affecting the reach and duration of the operation as crews search by boat and air.
As the investigation continues, search coordinators will adapt to changing weather and sea states while extending efforts along the Hanalei Bay coastline and adjacent waters. No recovery had been reported at the time of this update.
