Man Last Seen Off Coast of Hawaii May Have Disappeared While Freediving, Officials Say

The Coast Guard is searching for a 44-year-old diver who disappeared off the coast of Hawaii earlier this week.

Bryson Higashi was last seen around 4:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Sept. 23, in the Hanalei area of Kauai, Hawaii, the Coast Guard said in a statement. Reached over the phone, a Coast Guard spokesperson confirms to PEOPLE the search is still ongoing as of Friday, Sept. 26.

The agency described Higashi as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing around 180 lbs.

“Higashi’s truck was discovered near Hanalei Bay after being left unattended for a full day,” the Coast Guard said in its statement.

Around 7:36 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24, Coast Guard command center watchstanders received a notification from Kauai Fire Department workers about a possible person in the water near Hanalei Bay.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and diverted a 45-foot response boat, a helicopter crew and an airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.

The Coast Guard cutter William Hart’s crew also diverted to assist with the response.

On Thursday, Sept. 25, weather conditions in the search area included 15 mph winds, 2- to 4-foot waves, occasional showers and reduced visibility, the Coast Guard said.

Authorities believe Higashi “may have gone missing while freediving,” Fox News reported.

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In addition to the Coast Guard, the Kauai Fire and Police Departments and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources are assisting with the search for Higashi.

In a social media statement, the Kauai Police Department noted Higashi has brown eyes and black hair.

Asking others to keep an eye out for Higashi, the police department wrote, “Your assistance could make a significant difference.”