HALEIWA, Hawaii — Two free divers were found dead offshore of Velzyland Beach in the Sunset area of Oahu’s North Shore on Sunday, according to the Honolulu Fire Department. 

The deceased were identified as Rupert Babauta, 28, and Raymond Tudela, 32, by the Honolulu Medical Examiner's office. Both men were from Kaneohe. According to an Instagram post by Mercylyn Tudela, the two men were brothers-in-law. She was married to Raymond Tudela and Rupert Babauta was her brother. The Honolulu Medical Examiner's office did not have a preliminary cause of death. 

On Sunday, the Honolulu Fire Department responded to a 911 call at 3:40 a.m. about two free divers who had been missing for several hours. Arriving at Velzyland 10 minutes later, HFD gained access to the shoreline through a locked gate. A second HFD crew secured a landing zone at Sunset Beach Elementary so rescuers could search from the sky. 

The first firefighters noticed a submerged dive light about 150 feet offshore. The light was not moving. Rescuers swam toward the light, dove underwater, and brought an unresponsive diver to shore. HFD transferred him to Emergency Medical Services at 4:42 a.m. 

The search continued for the second missing diver. Scuba divers searched underwater while aerial support provided overhead lighting of the area. HFD found the second diver, brought him to shore, and transferred him to Emergency Medical Services at 6:49 a.m.

The Honolulu Police Department said they have opened unattended death investigations. There are no signs of foul play.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The original story has been updated with the identities of the deceased. (July 25, 2023)