KALIHIWAI, Hawaii — After a four-day, multi-agency effort, Kauai officials have ended the search for missing swimmer, Jaren Asalele, according to a news release.
Despite a four-day air, land and sea search with rescuers, including Kauai firefighters, Ocean Safety Bureau officers, Kauai police, the U.S. Coast Guard and volunteers from Kauai Search and Rescue, the missing swimmer could not be located.
According to officials, Asalele’s body could have possibly been seen deep underwater and on the ocean surface for brief periods on Sunday and Monday, which led officials to extend the search through Wednesday. Ultimately, because of limited visibility and rough ocean conditions, officials could not locate and recover Asalele, and the search was suspended at noon.
“We are extremely grateful for the effort of all agencies and individuals involved in the search for Jaren Asalele, especially during the rough surf conditions throughout the weekend,” said Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “Everyone gave their best effort to locate Jaren, and we are very sad that we could not provide complete closure for his family. We extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones during this very difficult time.”
A correction to the initial report is that Asalele resided in American Samoa and had been preparing to move to Oahu next year. He was not a resident of Oahu.
Asalele is being reported as Kauai’s 11th drowning of this year.
The search for Asalele, 19, began on Saturday. He was last seen swimming in waters of Kalihiwai Beach on Kauai’s North Shore, according to a county news release. The search continued for four days. Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, are assisting the young man’s family.
According to a preliminary police report, Asalele was seen swimming when he became distressed. A family member went into the water to assist the man, but could not locate him after he went under water and did not resurface.
Asalele is described as six-feet, one-inches tall and weighs approximately 165 pounds. He was last seen wearing orange swim shorts.
Anyone with information about the missing swimmer is urged to call KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711.
All north-facing shores of Kauai are currently under a High Surf Advisory. Before entering the water, speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station regarding ocean conditions and ocean safety or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The original story has been updated to include the suspension of the search, comments and correction to Asalele's place of residence. (Oct. 12, 2022)
