KAILUA — Hawaii firefighters have recovered the body of a man believed to be a missing swimmer, officials said.
The body found on the shore at Kailua Bay on Oahu Sunday matches the description of the person who disappeared on Friday, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Sunday.
Schofield Barracks has confirmed the body is that of a 25th Infantry Division soldier, who was reported missing on Friday afterrnoon. No further information was released pending notification of family.
Firefighters responded at 5:30 a.m. Sunday after a passerby discovered the body, officials said.
The man and two women went into the ocean around 5:30 p.m. Friday and were then seen in distress, according to witnesses.
A couple on surfboards rescued the women about 40 yards (37 meters) offshore, but the man disappeared beneath waves, they said.
The search that began early Saturday was interrupted around 10 a.m. when at least one shark was observed near the search area. Divers left the water but an aerial search continued, according to officials.
Shark warning signs were posted at the beach and the search resumed in the afternoon, officials said.
The Hawaii Fire Department dispatched 11 units staffed with 29 personnel to participate in the search, which was suspended at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, officials said.
Updated: June 3, 9:06 a.m.
