A Vacation Turned Tragic: The Final Snorkeling Excursion

On June 11, 2013, Paul David Blackburn, a 56-year-old Illinois native, embarked on a snorkeling trip with his son near the Molokini Crater off the coast of Kihei, Maui. The day, intended for leisure and bonding, took a tragic turn when Blackburn submerged beneath the water around 5:30 p.m. and never resurfaced. His son witnessed the event, noting that Blackburn was not wearing a life jacket at the time. Despite immediate search efforts, no trace of him was found.  

Immediate Search and Rescue Efforts

Following Blackburn's disappearance, the U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Maui County Fire Department, initiated an extensive search operation. Utilizing both aerial and maritime resources, they scoured the waters surrounding Molokini Crater. The search persisted for several days but was ultimately suspended on June 13, 2013, at 1:25 p.m., after yielding no results.  ...Read More