Swimmer Swept Out to Sea, Missing on Kauai

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 4:39 PM ET

A 32-year-old tourist is missing in Hawaii. Lauren Cameron, a native of Alaska, was hiking on Kauai’s north shore on Thursday, December 12th, when she decided to jump in the ocean. From there, she was swept out to sea, clinging to rocks in the surf zone, as rescue crews are scrambling to find her.

Per a bulletin from the United States Coast Guard:

“The Coast Guard, Kauai Fire Department and Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau are searching for a missing female swimmer off Kauai Thursday.

“Missing is a 32-year-old woman last seen wearing a blue bikini and hanging onto the rocks 100 yards west of Hanakapiai Beach before she was swept into the surf.

“Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders received a report at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday via Kauai Fire Department dispatchers from a bystander on the beach who saw the swimmer clinging to the rocks and struggling in the surf zone. The bystander reportedly attempted to rescue the woman by throwing a flotation device.”

While the search for Cameron continues, her family has understandably been in distress. Her younger brother, Jacob Neal, had somehow been receiving updates on his sister’s status. He told KHON2:

“My sister said that she was in a cave last night and like some people on jet skis checked up on her and then somebody on a boat checked up on her and then they couldn’t find her. I think that was like last night and like we haven’t really had any updates since. We just know everybody’s trying their hardest to look.”

So far this winter season in Hawaii, there’s been a handful of sketchy scenarios involving tourists and tumultuous ocean conditions – mainly on Oahu. Just a month ago, amidst heavy surf on the famed North Shore, a snorkeler was caught in the rocks at Sharks Cove, and subsequently drowned.

Just further reminders to always know your limits, follow any signage on the beach, always swim or surf near a lifeguard, and if in doubt, don’t go out.

The search for Cameron on Kauai will resume on Friday, December 13th morning.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: