KEKAHA (HawaiiNewsNow) - A sailor with the U.S. Navy died Saturday afternoon after being pulled from waters at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, along Kaua‘i’s west coast.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, at approximately 3 p.m., first responders were dispatched to Waiapua‘a Bay, near Shenanigans Bar and Restaurant, following reports of a swimmer in distress.

According to the Kauai Police Department, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, of Florida, had entered the water to rescue two children who were struggling in the high surf.

While the children made it back to shore safely, he encountered trouble in the water, police said.

Personnel with the Ocean Safety Bureau and Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services Department pulled him from the water and began lifesaving efforts.

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