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Search Resumes For Scarsdale Student Swept To Sea in Hawaii

This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – The search for a White Plains teen who went missing after being swept out to sea off the coast of Hawaii on July 4 resumed Monday at 6 a.m., according to Sgt. Marvin Troutman of the Hawaii Police Department. 

Tyler Madoff, 15, was hiking along the shoreline of Hawaii's Big Island with a group of 12 students and their guides from Bold Earth Teen Adventures. While taking a break in a tide pool near Kealakekua Bay, KHON 2 reported waves swept a half-dozen of the teens into the bay at 2:45 p.m., including one who was injured and Madoff.

The other boy, 15, was hospitalized on Oahu. Hawaii Pack and Paddle tour guides, hired by Bold Earth to lead the tour, jumped in after them and recovered and resuscitated the second boy. The guide then flagged down a boater who took the two to Kealakekua Pier. Only when the group reassembled did anyone notice Madoff was missing, Lt. Jeremie Evangelista said in press release. 

The Hawaii County Fire Department notified the U.S. Coast Guard, which sent crews by air and sea on a search and rescue mission at 6 p.m. 

Tyler's father Michael criticized Bold Earth Teen Adventures in a news conference Sunday. "The people from Bold Earth expeditions have shown poor judgment and extremely poor character. None of the Bold Earth people stayed on the site to continue the search for our son Tyler."

Abbott Wallis, founder of Bold Earth, sympathized with the Madoff's situation, but said, "That's simply wrong. We couldn't have done anything but search, but we certainly searched for hours."

The U.S. Coast Guard, aided by the Hawaii County Fire Department, called off its search and rescue mission Thursday night. The Hawaii County Fire Department resumed its search early Monday morning.

Tyler's parents, who arrived in Hawaii on Friday to aid in the search, are returning home to White Plains to be with their two other children. They do not plan to pursue legal action against Bold Earth Teen Adventures, KHON 2 reported Sunday night. 

"We will carry on in our hearts always," Michael said in the same news conference Sunday. "You will be with us forever." 

Madoff attended Scarsdale High School, which hosted counseling services for all students, faculty and staff Monday morning. 

"We would like to thank all of the good people here on the Big Island who helped us during our time of sadness," Michael and Marianne Madoff said in a statement. "All of the locals who kayaked and walked the shoreline searching for our son, we thank you. Thank you to all the kind people back home who have been praying for us and sending their love. We feel your love. Thank you."

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