Kadena Air Base is home to the Air Force’s 18th Wing on Okinawa. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
A U.S. civilian with the Air Force on Okinawa died Tuesday while snorkeling near a popular beach, according to the Japan coast guard.
A bystander reported to the coast guard that a man in his 40s was swept away at 4:36 p.m. off Odo Coast in Itoman city, according to a coast guard news release Tuesday.
The coast guard identified the man as a civilian who worked for the Air Force.
The 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base on Tuesday night announced that a “deployed individual” at the base died following a snorkeling incident. It provided no further details.
“The 18th Wing is deeply saddened by this loss and our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones. Our priority is supporting them through this difficult time,” said wing commander Brig. Gen. John Gallemore in the release.
After 1½ hours, an Okinawa Prefectural Police helicopter spotted the man washed up on shore, according to the coast guard. He was recovered by the Itoman City Fire Department and the coast guard.
His heart had stopped and he was not breathing at the time of rescue; he was pronounced dead at 6:58 p.m. at an unidentified local hospital, according to the coast guard. The incident is under investigation.
According to the coast guard, the man was snorkeling with three others at the time. He was recovered wearing swimming trunks, a snorkel and foot fins. The other three, who managed to escape the water on their own, called out for help.
Odo Coast is a popular destination known for clear waters and coral reefs. Conditions at the time were sunny with 7 mph winds from the southeast and 8-foot waves.
The wing acknowledged email and phone inquiries on Wednesday but did not immediately respond.
The coast guard identified the man, but Stars and Stripes is withholding the name pending notification of next of kin.
AloJapan.com