KALIHIWAI, Hawaii – Authorities on Wednesday suspended their search for a 56-year-old Gilroy man who disappeared while swimming off the north shore of Kaua’i on Christmas Day.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Prakash Shroff was swimming with two family members at ’Anini Beach when they became distressed, according to the Kaua’i Police Department.
Police said bystanders helped the family members make it safely back to shore, where they were treated by medics and released. Shroff, however, could not be located.
Multiple agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard spent four days searching for Shroff by air, land and sea, according to police. Rescuers reported low visibility and dangerous conditions.
Shroff is the 12th person to drown this year in Kaua’i.
“Our hearts go out to Prakash’s family and friends during this difficult time,” KPD Investigative Services Bureau Capt. Paul Applegate said in a statement Wednesday. “We appreciate all agencies and everyone involved in our attempt to locate Prakash.”
Volunteers with the Visitor Aloha Society of Kaua’i and Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, assisted Shroff’s family throughout the search, according to police.
Check back for updates.
Source: www.mercurynews.com