Honolulu Ocean Safety, the Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Emergency Medical services responded to a call for three snorkelers in distress in waters at Three Tables on Oahu's north shore at around 3:20 p.m. Monday, according to a news release.

Honolulu Ocean Safety rescued two snorkelers, one male and one female. They were evaluated by EMS and both declined transport.

HFD responded with five units, staffed by 14 personnel, the first of which arrived at 3:27 p.m.

The extensive, multi-agency search and rescue response included lifeguards on jet skis, and an air search by Ocean safety and HFD.

It was reported that a 29-year-old male was snorkeling with friends and was separated from the group. OSD recovered the body of the missing snorkeler, a man, possibly in his 20s, just after 4:30 p.m. He was brought to shore where first responders administered CPR. EMS took over with advanced life support and transported the man to the emergency room in critical condition.

According to a news release, Ocean Safety said that strong current, no swimming and no lifeguard on-duty signs were posted at the beach. Surf on Monday was said to be between 6 and 10 feet and building at the time of the rescues.

Editor's note: this story has been updated with the location that the snorkelers were found. (Nov. 11, 2024)