A tourist has died while snorkeling in Hawaii, officials announced on Monday.

On Saturday, around 11:45 a.m., first responders arrived at Makena Landing on Maui for a man who became unconscious while snorkeling, according to a news release from the Maui Police Department. Bystanders pulled 69-year-old Huntington Beach resident Frank Archuleta Jr. out of the water and attempted lifesaving measures.

Upon arrival, first responders took over and continued administering lifesaving measures but were unable to revive Archuleta. Investigators said that there’s no evidence of foul play, and an autopsy is pending.

“The Maui Police Department extends our deepest condolences to Mr. Archuleta’s family and friends,” the department said in the news release.

Makena Landing is generally considered safe for snorkeling, with one website deeming it one of the best spots for snorkeling on the island. The area is sometimes called “Turtle Town” for the abundance of sea turtles, but no lifeguards are on duty.

However, between 2009 and 2018, 20 people drowned around Makena Landing, with 17 of them being tourists and 11 drowning while snorkeling, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for tourists in Hawaii, and from 2020 to 2024, when adjusted for population, Maui had the highest rate of drownings compared to other Hawaiian islands. Many drownings are not caused by swallowing water but by overexertion, triggering hypoxia induced by rapid-onset pulmonary edema.

The Maui Police Department encourages visitors to follow ocean safety measures. Visitors are encouraged to swim in areas with lifeguards and to ask them about surf conditions. Swimmers should avoid diving into unknown water, shallow breaking waves or large waves – and never swim alone.

BEST OF SFGATE

Central Coast | ‘Doomsday fish’: Once-in-a-lifetime sea creature encountered in Monterey Bay
Technology| A Calif. teen trusted ChatGPT for drug advice. He died from an overdose.
Central Coast| He gifted Calif. one of its largest city parks. Then he shot his wife.
Culture | Tragedy cut Sublime’s fame short. Now the singer’s son has the mic.

Get SFGATE’s top stories sent to your inbox by signing up for The Daily newsletter here.

This article originally published at California man dies while snorkeling on Maui.