HUMAN remains have been discovered in the search for a missing Hawaii teen who vanished in turbulent waters.

Matthew Packard-Asai, 19, was last seen near Kahili Beach on the island of Kaua’i.

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Matthew Packard-Asai, 19, was swept out to sea on January 28Credit: County of Kauai
 

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An extensive rescue operation resulted in remains being found on January 31Credit: County of Kauai
 

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First responders came together from a number of different agenciesCredit: County of Kauai
The young fisherman is believed to have been swept out to sea by unpredictable currents on January 28, before authorities announced the discovery three days later.

“The remains are believed to be those of Packard-Asai; however, positive identification is pending DNA confirmation,” Kaua’i Police Department said in a statement.

“We ask that the family‘s privacy be respected as the identification process continues.”

Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson said: “Our thoughts are with Matthew and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

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“We are deeply grateful to all the agencies and volunteers who worked tirelessly in this search, and we extend our heartfelt support to Matthew’s family as they navigate the days ahead.”

A frantic search operation included first responders from a number of agencies including the American Medical Response, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the state’s Department of Land & Natural Resources.

Pictures from the rescue mission show officials meeting at a base camp on the beach and surveying the area via helicopter.

Kaua’i Chief of Police Elliott Kalani Ke thanked volunteers and first responders who participated in the rescue mission.

“We also want to express our appreciation to our partners and the community members who supported the search for Matthew,” he added.

The 19-year-old was last seen fishing with another man near the northern point of Kahili Beach, the Coast Guard previously said in a statement.

Cops responded to an incident about the fisherman at 12:15pm.

Witnesses said Matthew battled hard against rough currents as onlookers attempted to pull him to safety, according to KITV.

The teen’s “hanai father” – a Hawaiian term loosely meaning adoptive father – relived the heartbreaking incident.

Kyle Doepke said: “He wasn’t unconscious — he was swimming — and [his friends] kept yelling at him to swim out, to not swim towards the rocks.”

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Matthew was described as ‘pure’ and ‘true-hearted’Credit: County of Kauai
 

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First responders searched around the clock for the missing teenCredit: United States Coast Guard
 

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A helicopter scoured the oceanCredit: County of Kauai
Doepke recalled how his son was still wearing his shoes and backpack on as he fought to get to shore.

He realised he may never see Matthew again after a few hours had passed.

Paying tribute to the boy, Doepke said: “He was just such a pure, truly hearted kid, and he exemplified that to a lot of kids.

“I hate to call it broken homes, but that also comes from dysfunction, right? And he was, he’s one that came from that kind of scenario himself, but would always hold this light for other kids.”

The discovery comes as cops search for seven-year-old girl swept out to sea on holiday in Morocco.

Inaayah Makda was sat on rocks at a beach near Casablanca with her family watching the sunset when they were knocked into the sea by a freak wave.

Her distraught parents Tasneem and Zubair Makda said search and rescue efforts had been hampered due to, “severe weather and rough seas” but want “every possible chance” for her to be found.

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“We hold on to hope that she may have reached safety somewhere along the coastline,” they said in a statement.

“Every minute since [has been] filled with unbearable pain, fear and hope.”