At the popular Electric Beach in Nānākuli, Honolulu, as a 49-year-old man lost his life in a snorkeling accident while on honeymoon with his wife. In a cruel twist, the couple were also victims of theft in the midst of this crisis.
The Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reported receiving a distress call at 10:27 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, which directed them to the heartrending scene. They found the man in a critical condition, unresponsive after being pulled from the water by onlookers. Despite the immediate provision of advanced life support, the man tragically passed away.
As the wife stood by, helplessly witnessing the attempts to save her husband’s life, she discovered that their belongings, including their rental car, had been stolen. The police are currently investigating a second-degree theft and auto theft related to the incident.
One eyewitness, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the heartbreaking scene. According to this individual, the couple, still wearing their snorkeling gear, were on their honeymoon.
Upon discovering the theft, the witness helped the wife attempt to contact her family, only to find their phone and other possessions, along with the car keys, had been taken from their backpack.
Rhonda Aquino, a resident of Waipahu and a frequent visitor of Electric Beach, highlighted the strength of currents and the increasing popularity of the area among tourists due to social media exposure.
City Councilmember Andrea Tupola affirmed that a lifeguard station, along with requisite staffing, will be added to the beach in early September.