25-year-old tourist missing in Hawaii after he’s swept out to sea, rescuers say

Update: The U.S. Coast Guard suspended the search for Matthew Preziose on Tuesday, March 8, after 35 searches covering 652 square miles, Hawaii News Now reported. The original story is below.

A 25-year-old man visiting Hawaii from New Jersey vanished Saturday, March 5, after being swept to sea off a Kauai beach, authorities said.

Matthew Preziose and another man were seen struggling in the water off Lumaha‘i Beach at 1 p.m., the Kauai Police Department said in a news release.

Onlookers told lifeguards that one swimmer made it back to shore but Preziose was last seen being swept to sea by the current, police said.

Firefighters, lifeguards and a helicopter searched for Preziose but could not find him. The search resumed Sunday, March 6, with help from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Police ask that anyone with information call 808-241-1711.

This story was originally published March 7, 2022 at 9:46 AM with the headline "25-year-old tourist missing in Hawaii after he’s swept out to sea, rescuers say."