HONOLULU – U.S. Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department and Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division, Honolulu, crews suspended their search for a missing 50-year-old male free diver near Kailua Bay, Oahu Sunday.
Christopher Nee was reported missing by his diving partner at approximately 8 p.m. Saturday night. Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department and ocean safety rescue crews conducted land, sea and aerial searches.
Ocean safety lifeguards dove in 20 feet of water to recover the submerged body located at approximately 400 feet offshore Castle Beach, Kailua at approximately 10:20 a.m. Nee was brought to shore where he was confirmed to be the missing diver and pronounced deceased by EMS at approximately 10:45 a.m.
"The efforts of Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department and Ocean Safety demonstrate the efficiencies gained through a standing Search and Rescue Memorandum of Understanding between Honolulu County and the Coast Guard," said Lt. Leigh Cotterell, public affairs officer for Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. "In the interest of safety, the Coast Guard advises divers to use the buddy system, dive flags and all other safe diving protocols."
"Additionally, members of the public are asked to remain vigilant when using island waters and to promptly contact the authorities in cases of distress or other unusual incidents," said Cotterell.
