Teen dies, 14-year-old brother missing after they were swept out to sea off Puna

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A 16-year-old boy is dead and his 14-year-old brother is missing after they were swept out to sea off a Puna beach on Thursday afternoon, emergency responders said.

The search for the 14-year-old continues.

Officials responded to a report of multiple swimmers in distress around 3:20 p.m. on Thursday in waters off Shipman or Haena Beach.

According to response crews, the father, his two sons and another adult were swimming when they were swept out by the current and high surf.

Investigators said the two adults and the 16-year-old were rescued from the water by helicopter.

Emergency medics said they immediately began CPR on the 16-year-old, as they began transporting him to the Hilo Medical Center. Life-saving measures continued at the hospital, however were unsuccessful. The victim was pronounced dead just before 5 p.m.

Police said an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

A missing person case has been initiated for the 14-year-old boy, authorities said.

Firefighters said the beach is in isolated area and that the group had hiked from Hawaiian Paradise Park.

The Hawaii Fire Department continued their search on Friday morning and will continue their search on Saturday.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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