A dream snorkeling trip in Hawaii turned into a terrifying fight for survival when a tourist allegedly went on a violent stabbing spree in the middle of the ocean.
Authorities say 21-year-old Avery Nissen, visiting from Kansas, is now facing multiple serious charges — including second-degree attempted murder — after a brutal attack aboard a fishing boat off the coast of Kailua-Kona. What was supposed to be a relaxing three-hour snorkel tour quickly spiraled into chaos Thursday afternoon.
According to police, Nissen suddenly attacked the 62-year-old boat captain with a fillet knife, repeatedly stabbing him in the head and body while other passengers watched in horror. The situation became so intense that people on board had to physically restrain the suspect to stop the attack.
The boat rushed back toward Honokōhau Harbor as authorities were alerted. Around 3:21 p.m., officers were waiting when the vessel returned to shore and immediately took Nissen into custody.
The captain suffered a stab wound to his lower abdomen along with multiple cuts to his head and hands. Despite the severity of the attack, he was transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover.
Investigators say the motive behind the shocking violence remains a mystery, leaving many questions about what triggered the sudden outburst in the middle of open water.
Nissen is currently being held on $1.57 million bail and is expected to appear in court in Kona on Monday as the case moves forward.
