A 21-year-old man died Sept. 5 after being pulled into the ocean by a large wave at a dangerous, illegal attraction near Hanauma Bay, according to Hawaii News Now. The formation known as Rock Bridge is where he was swept into the ocean. His name has not been released yet, but he is the third person to die at this location within this past year, according to the Star Advertiser news.
In order to access Rock Bridge, a natural bridge formation that is over the ocean, hikers go through properties that have no trespassing signs posted, according to Star Advertiser News. “The man] had two friends with him,” said HFD Battalion Chief Geoffrey Chang to Hawaii News Now.
“One of them tried to help him, but the surf was too big, so they watched him and tried to talk to him and then they lost sight of him after a while,” Hawaii News Now reported.
Brandon Rootsaert, a freshman from California studying computer science said, “We need to realize how powerful the ocean is. Don’t underestimate it.”
When asked if it was a good idea for people to stand out on the bridge, Rootsaert responded by asking, “Is it a good idea to hike stairway to heaven? Probably not, but it’s the restriction that draws us to do it even more.”
The fire department and Ocean Safety crews conducted a search along the shoreline on the surface and underwater, while the U.S. Coast Guard searched offshore, reported Hawaii News Now. HFD divers discovered the man’s body nearly three hours after he disappeared.
“At about 2:50 p.m., we did find his body in about 110 feet of water,” said Chang. Chang said Saturday’s search was difficult because of the big waves and poor underwater visibility.He stressed safety because of the high surf.
“If you don’t know the area, don’t even go near the water. Check with lifeguards first,” he said. “If there’s no lifeguards around, go to a beach where there are lifeguards, because they’re the ones that are going to give you the best advice.”
Last October there was a couple who went hiking around this same location. Some bags were found near the bridge, but their owners were not, according to the Star Advertiser. The body of Jojo Acosta was recovered, but his girlfriend, Noemi Alcotas, was never found.