‘ELE‘ELE — Rescue officials have confirmed that Kaua‘i’s 10th drowning of 2013 occurred Thursday night off Glass Beach in ‘Ele‘ele, when a 35-year-old man died while spearfishing with friends. He was identified as John-Eric Parinas on Friday. Preliminary police reports
‘ELE‘ELE — Rescue officials have confirmed that Kaua‘i’s 10th drowning of 2013 occurred Thursday night off Glass Beach in ‘Ele‘ele, when a 35-year-old man died while spearfishing with friends.
He was identified as John-Eric Parinas on Friday.
Preliminary police reports indicate the Parinas was diving in waters off Glass Beach at around 9 p.m., when he apparently had a muscle cramp and tried to make it to shore, according to a county press release.
While walking on a rock ledge, Parinas was reportedly swept by waves. His friends located him underwater, brought his unresponsive body to shore and performed CPR while waiting for medical assistance.
Firefighters located the victim on a rocky cliff, and navigated through the rough surf to carry him out of the area on a Stokes lift. Medics transported him to Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
County officials said that while there are no ocean advisories posted, winter surf conditions continue at north- and west-facing shores, with swells expected to rise through the weekend. Calmer conditions can be expected on the south- and east-facing shores.
Beachgoers are urged to swim near a lifeguard.
