A 32-year-old tourist remains missing off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, after being swept out to sea while hiking on the island’s north shore. Lauren Cameron, a native of Alaska, was last seen on Thursday, December 12, clinging to rocks near Hanakapiai Beach before being pulled into the surf.
According to a statement from the United States Coast Guard, Cameron was spotted by a bystander around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday. The witness reported seeing the woman struggling in the surf zone, holding onto rocks about 100 yards west of Hanakapiai Beach. The bystander attempted a rescue by throwing a flotation device, but was unsuccessful.
The Coast Guard, along with the Kauai Fire Department and the Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau, immediately launched a search. In a press release, the Coast Guard described the missing woman as wearing a blue bikini at the time she was last seen.
Cameron’s family has expressed growing concern as the search continues. Her younger brother, Jacob Neal, spoke with local news station KHON2, describing distressing updates he received about his sister’s condition. Neal said, “My sister said she was in a cave last night, and people on jet skis and a boat checked on her, but they couldn’t find her. We haven’t heard much since then, but we know they’re doing everything they can.”
The incident is one of several recent dangerous situations involving tourists and rough ocean conditions in Hawaii. Just a month ago, a snorkeler drowned after being caught in the rocks at Sharks Cove on Oahu’s North Shore amid heavy surf.
The ongoing search for Cameron is a reminder of the importance of safety when enjoying Hawaii’s beaches. Authorities urge visitors to know their limits, follow posted warnings, stay near lifeguards, and refrain from entering the water during dangerous conditions.
Search efforts resumed on the morning of Friday, December 13, with emergency responders continuing to scour the area for any sign of Cameron.
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