A shocking incident during a peaceful snorkeling trip in Hawaii has left a boat captain seriously injured and a young man facing major criminal charges. What was supposed to be a relaxing outing quickly turned into a violent and unexpected attack.
What Happened During the Snorkeling Trip
Avery Nissen, 21, has been charged after allegedly attacking a boat captain during a snorkeling tour off the Kona coast in Hawaii.
Police say the incident took place on April 16, when officers were called to HonokÅhau Harbor after the boat returned with both the suspect and the injured captain onboard.
How the Attack Happened
According to reports, the trip included Nissen, his family members, and the captain, Stan Lurbiecki, who was leading the tour.
While others were enjoying snorkeling in the water, Nissen reportedly stayed on the boat. After the group finished snorkeling and began heading back:
- The boat was about 30 minutes away from the harbor
- Nissen allegedly took a 10-inch knife from the boatâs kitchen area
- He attacked the captain without warning
The attack was described as completely unprovoked.
Injuries to the Victim
Police said the captain suffered:
- A stab wound to the lower abdomen
- Multiple cuts to the head and hands
He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition. Reports say he required several blood transfusions due to the injuries.
Passengers Helped Stop the Attack
Fortunately, other passengers on the boat acted quickly. They managed to restrain Nissen and prevent further harm before the boat reached the harbor.
Their quick action likely helped save the captainâs life.
Police Action and Charges
Authorities took Nissen into custody soon after the boat arrived. He now faces serious charges, including:
- Attempted murder
- First-degree assault
- Second-degree assault
He is currently being held on bail of $1.57 million and is scheduled to appear in court soon.
Motive Still Unknown
One of the most surprising parts of this case is that there is no clear reason behind the attack. Police have not yet identified any motive, and the victim himself described the incident as completely random and shocking.












