Two visitors have died in separate water-related incidences on Kauai, while another visitor was rescued in Princeville.
On Sunday, November 5th, 2023, Ronald Nicasio, age 57, of Nevada was pronounced dead after being pulled from waters at Hanalei Bay. According to a preliminary report issued by the County of Kauai, Ocean Safety Bureau personnel from the Pine Trees Tower at Hanalei Beach spotted bystanders calling for help after bringing an unresponsive swimmer to shore approximately 150 yards from the lifeguard tower. Unfortunately, despite lifesaving efforts from lifeguards, firefighters from the Hanalei Fire Station and American Medical Response personnel, Nicasio could not be revived and he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
On Monday, November 6th, Rex Shayne Queen, age 58, of Seattle died after scuba diving in waters off Koloa Landing in Poipu. According to a preliminary report issued by the County of Kauai, Queen became unresponsive while scuba diving in the ocean in the vicinity of Koloa Landing. First responders located the diver and brought him to shore where firefighters from the Koloa Fire Station and American Medical Response personnel administered CPR. Queen was transported to the Wilcox Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
“We are saddened once again to report the death of another visitor,” Kauai Police Investigative Services Bureau Acting Captain Kennison Nagahisa said. “We remind the public to be aware of your surroundings and your abilities in the water.”
In yet another incident, first responders rescued a 46-year-old Oregon man in waters off Princeville on Friday, November 3rd. According to a Kauai.gov report, upon arriving at the Cliffs at Princeville Resort trail, personnel with the Hanalei fire station heard a call for help and located a missing diver in a cave. Personnel with the Ocean Safety Bureau were able to retrieve the diver.
The Kauai Police Department urges visitors and residents to visit beaches where lifeguards are present and to utilize caution when entering the water.
