Man drowns after aiding friend
MOLOAA, Kauai » A 19-year-old Kapaa man drowned Sunday at Larsen's Beach after helping save a friend from strong current and choppy seas.
It was the second drowning at the secluded beach in the past month.
John Moises and two friends, both 18, were free-diving at the north end of Larsen's on Kauai's northeast shore when they were caught in the current, county officials said yesterday.
Moises helped one friend scramble onto nearby rocks and hang on, while another made it on his own.
Moises' leg, however, became trapped when he tried to scramble onto the top of the reef. His leg was stuck between two boulders, and he was unable to break free, officials said.
A large wave eventually swept him from the rock and out to sea.
Hanalei firefighters responded, bringing out tubes to rescue the two teens clinging to the rocks. The rough surf and strong current in the area made the rescue extremely difficult, said county public information officer Mary Daubert.
Moises was found unconscious with major injuries 40 yards offshore. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene. The two teens sustained minor injuries and were treated and released at the beach.
Just four weeks ago and in the same channel, Roy Overstreet of Bellingham, Wash., tried to help his pregnant wife and drowned in the strong current.
Overstreet, 42, died June 24 and was found four days later. His wife escaped with minor injuries.