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Search ends for missing California woman off Kauai’s North Shore

COURTESY KAUAI COUNTY

A Coast Guard helicopter crew searches for a missing California woman who was washed away by a wave Wednesday on Kauai’s North Shore.

First responders ended today a four-day search for a 23-year-old California woman who was swept out to sea by a wave off Kauai’s North Shore, Kauai police said.

Yayun Cheng was trying to climb the rocks near Queen’s Bath in Princeville at about noon Wednesday when a wave washed her away, police said.

Witnesses last saw her unresponsive in the water.

At the time she was washed away, a high-surf warning was in effect for Kauai’s North Shore and surf at nearby Hanalei was 10 to 15 feet, the National Weather Service reported.

Kauai firefighters launched a search shortly before noon Wednesday and were assisted by lifeguards, police, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

After finding no signs of Cheng, the search was suspended this afternoon, police said.

Life’s Bridges, a volunteer grief counseling service, is assisting Cheng’s family.

She is Kauai’s seventh drowning victim this year.

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