Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release May 29, 2015      

MAN DIES AFTER SPEARED SWORDFISH INJURES HIM
AT HONOKOHAU HARBOR

KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII – A Kona fishing charter boat captain died today after being fatally injured by a broadbill swordfish he had just speared in Honokohau small boat harbor on Hawaii Island

Just before 11 a.m. the man reportedly spotted a swordfish swimming in the back area of the harbor near the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) harbor office. DOBOR staff and witnesses say he jumped into the water and speared the fish. The fish then reportedly struck the man in the chest with its sharp bill. He was pulled by onlookers from the harbor and was unresponsive.

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation was administered until the Hawaii Fire Department arrived. He was transported by ambulance to Kona Community Hospital. Hawaii Police Department officers responded and took statements from witnesses. DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources officers are also investigating.

The fish measured about 3 feet long, with a bill length of about 3 feet, and weighed about 40 pounds.

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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Office of the Chair
Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 130
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Tel 808-587-0407
Cell 808-295-8749
Fax 808-587-0390
[email protected]