Hawaii Drownings: Three Fatalities Amidst High Surf
- Hawaii experienced a tragic weekend with three separate drowning incidents reported on November 24, 2024, underscoring the potential dangers of strong surf conditions.
- Master At Arms First Class Jeffrey Diaz, stationed at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), died after being swept out to sea at Keiki Beach on Oahu.
- Robert Prince, commanding officer of PMRF, expressed deep sorrow over Diaz's death."We are heartbroken by the passing of our shipman and friend, MA1 First Class Jeffrey Diaz and...
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Three Drownings in Hawaii Highlight Dangerous surf Conditions
Hawaii experienced a tragic weekend with three separate drowning incidents reported on November 24, 2024, underscoring the potential dangers of strong surf conditions. The incidents occurred on Kauai and Oahu, claiming the lives of a U.S.Navy sailor, a Californian man, and a woman in her 40s.
Master At Arms First Class Jeffrey Diaz, stationed at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), died after being swept out to sea at Keiki Beach on Oahu. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that Diaz was rescued by lifeguards but later pronounced dead at Kaua’i veterans Memorial Hospital. He was 28 years old.
Rescuers attempt to reach individuals caught in strong currents at Keiki Beach on Oahu. Source: Surfer.com
Capt. Robert Prince, commanding officer of PMRF, expressed deep sorrow over Diaz’s death.”We are heartbroken by the passing of our shipman and friend, MA1 First Class Jeffrey Diaz and extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and shipmen who are grieving,” Prince stated. He added that the facility is committed to supporting Diaz’s family and those affected.
The other two fatalities occurred on Sunday, November 24th. A Californian man died while snorkeling on Kauai, and a woman in her 40s drowned off Oahu’s south shore. Details regarding the identities of the Californian man and the woman have not yet been publicly released.
Lieutenant Coglietta emphasized the importance of observing ocean conditions before entering the water. “Even with my family,we come down,and we always watch the water for a couple minutes,” Coglietta said. “we never rush out there. Even at spots that we’ve been to 50 or 100 times before. We always just take the time to look at it.”
A powerful sneaker wave crashes over beachgoers at Shark’s Cove. Source: Surfer.com