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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP140784) and 2 other sources
On a seemingly ordinary evening in May 2004, 34-year-old Roger Brittain vanished while snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Maui, Hawaii. He was last seen at approximately 6:00 p.m. at Pohaku Beach Park, a location also known to locals as S-Turns Beach, in the Napili-Honokowai area. Brittain, described as an experienced swimmer, entered the water for a snorkeling excursion, a common activity in the picturesque and generally serene waters of that part of the island. As daylight began to fade, there was no indication that this evening would be any different from the countless others enjoyed by locals and tourists alike at this popular beach.

When Roger Brittain failed to return from his snorkeling trip, concern grew among those who knew him. A search was initiated, and his personal items, including his slippers and snorkeling gear, were discovered on the beach. This finding suggested that he had indeed entered the ocean but had not come back. Search and rescue teams were deployed to scour the coastline and the surrounding waters in a concerted effort to find any trace of the missing man. Despite their extensive efforts, which involved searching both on the water and along the shore, Roger Brittain was not found. The vastness of the Pacific Ocean held no immediate answers, and the absence of any witnesses to a struggle or distress only deepened the mystery surrounding his disappearance.

The official investigation into Roger Brittain's disappearance was handled by the Maui Police Department. With his belongings found on the shore and no other evidence to suggest foul play, the prevailing theory among authorities was that he may have tragically drowned. However, without the recovery of his body, this remains a painful uncertainty for his loved ones. His family has held onto the hope that he might still be alive, clinging to the possibility of other explanations for his disappearance. Over the years, his case has remained open, a poignant reminder of the ocean's power and the enduring questions that can linger when someone vanishes without a trace. The case of Roger Brittain serves as a somber overview of how a peaceful day at the beach can turn into a lasting mystery, leaving a family with unanswered questions and a community with a sense of loss.

Last Seen: May 21, 2004

Links to Additional Sources (2)

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Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

76%Possible
John Doe — Kipahulu, Hawaii
UP66211 • Found Sep 13, 2017
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 85%Est. 30–50 vs 34 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 91%43 mi away, same county
TimingFound 13 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'9"–5'10"
Weight 89%135 lb vs 160 lb
Hair 40%Bald vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.