A Coast Guard helicopter was searching last night for a man reported to have been swept out to sea after getting into trouble while swimming at Spitting Caves at Portlock.

The helicopter was scheduled to search until about 10 p.m. for the man, who was reported in distress at about 3:30 p.m.

Honolulu fire Capt. Kenison Tejada said about 20 rescuers from the Fire Department, Coast Guard, Honolulu Police Department and Water Safety Division took part in the search. The others stopped searching at about 7 p.m.

The search would resume at first light this morning if the man was not found by the Coast Guard, officials said.