Swimmer Struck By Boat Off Lahaina

By Wendy Osher

Maui near shore waters, file photo by Wendy Osher.

A swimmer participating in a race between Lana’i and Maui, received life-threatening injuries when he was struck by a boat on Saturday afternoon.

The 42-year-old man from California was about a half mile off shore of Lahaina when the incident occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m.

Authorities say the boat was drifting temporarily in an area identified as a restricted zone where swimmers were approaching.  When those aboard the vessel were alerted of the situation, the operator reportedly backed up, and the propeller of the boat hit the swimmer.

The swimmer sustained hand and forearm injuries, and was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources responded to the scene along with crews from the Maui Fire Department.

The incident is being investigated by DLNR.

*** Supporting information courtesy Hawaii News Now.