Man charged after allegedly stabbing boat captain during Hawaii snorkeling tour

A 21-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking a boat captain with a knife during a snorkeling tour off the coast of Hawaii, authorities said.

Police identified the suspect as Avery Nissen, of Overland Park, Kansas. He was taken into custody on April 16 following what officials described as a “stabbing incident aboard a fishing vessel off the Kona coast,” according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Officers responded to Honokōhau Harbor after the vessel returned to shore with both the suspect and the injured captain on board.

Authorities allege the attack occurred as the boat was heading back to harbor, roughly 30 minutes from shore. 

The captain, identified by local media as Stan Lurbiecki, said the suspect grabbed a 10-inch fillet knife from the vessel and stabbed him without provocation.

Police said the 62-year-old captain sustained a stab wound to the abdomen along with multiple cuts to his head and hands. 

He was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition after receiving treatment, including blood transfusions.

Other passengers aboard the vessel intervened during the incident and restrained the suspect until the boat reached shore, officials said.

Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the alleged attack.

Nissen has been charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and second-degree assault. He is being held on bail set at $1.57 million and is scheduled to appear in court.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.