Coast Guard Launches Search for Missing Diver in Hawaii
U.S. Coast Guard crews have launched an extensive search operation for Bryson Higashi, a 44-year-old diver who disappeared in the waters off Hawaii’s island of Kauai. The search was initiated after Higashi, who was last seen around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday near Hanalei, a town on the island’s northern coastline, went missing. The Coast Guard issued an urgent marine information broadcast and coordinated the diversion of multiple units, including a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point. The Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) crew also diverted for the search.
Officials described Higashi as being 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds. His truck was discovered near Hanalei Bay after being left unattended for a full day. The Kauai Fire Department, Kauai Police Department, and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources are assisting in the search.
As of Thursday, the Coast Guard reported on-scene weather conditions consisting of 15 mph winds, 2- to 4-foot seas with occasional showers and reduced visibility. The search efforts are ongoing, and public assistance is encouraged, with the Kauai Police Department urging residents and visitors to help locate Higashi. The Coast Guard is coordinating with multiple agencies to ensure a thorough search operation, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the commitment of local and federal authorities to find Higashi.