A California newlywed on his honeymoon drowned at a popular snorkeling beach on Oahu earlier this month. During his rescue, thieves stole his and his wife’s belongings and drove away with their rental car.
Steven Phan and his wife Brittany Myers Phan were snorkeling about 100 yards out at Kahe Point, also known as Electric Beach, on June 1 when a spearfisherman spotted Phan submerged underwater, according to John Titchen, Chief of Ocean Safety for Honolulu.
The spearfisherman and another person helped carry Phan back to the beach, where a 911 call was placed.
The Honolulu Fire Department arrived at the scene before the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Divison, Titchen told USA TODAY.
Bystanders tried CPR on Phan before first responders took over. He was then transported to a nearby hospital by Emergency Medical Services.
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During the attempts to resuscitate Phan, the couple’s bag, including their cell phones, wallets, money, clothing and rental car were stolen, according to a GoFundMe set up to help cover funeral and memorial costs. The Honolulu Police Department did not respond immediately for comment.
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“It’s a really sad incident for the young wife,” Titchen said. “Our condolances, obviously, and it’s a heartwrenching circumstance for us too.”
The couple was married for three months.
“The loss of Steven Phan is absolutely devasting (sic) to the Phan and Myers family and friends,” the GoFundMe page said. “We are all shocked, in disbelief, and heartbroken at the loss of such a great man as Steven.”
As the first beach you hit when driving west from Honolulu, Kahe Point has grown in popularity over the past few years, especially with tourists, Titchen said. “Kahe Point is a very scenic beach with a lot to do underwater,” he said, including underwater statues and lots of marine life, but it’s also “a very dynamic spot.” Snorkelers should wear fins and floatation devices too, he said.
The area can become dangerous with strong surf and current. “One of the things we see constantly and consistently at Kahe Point is people are often pulled off shore faster than they had anticipated.”
People who are unfamiliar with the ocean tend to panic at this time, which is “the worst thing to do in the water,” he added.
According to Titchen, Ocean Safety responds to at least one significant rescue case a month and there are at least a dozen times a week where other bystanders are helping to save swimmers and snorkelers.
Currently, Ocean Safety jet skis patrol the coastline. For the last few years, the neighborhood has been advocating for a full-time lifeguard presence there, which Titchen said could have prevented this incident.
A lifeguard tower is slated to be set up at Kahe Point, likely by the end of 2023, Titchen said.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com
