Visitor Dies Following Ocean Incident in Kapalua

DT Fleming, photo by Wendy Osher.

A 71-year-old California woman died after being pulled from waters in West Maui on Friday afternoon.

Police have since identified the woman as Karen Ingrid Vinje of Pacific Palisades.

According to department reports, crews were dispatched at 1:04 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, to DT Fleming Beach Park in Kapalua for an unresponsive woman.

Police say the woman was found floating in the ocean south of Honolua Bay by crew members aboard the Teralani Vessel. Department officials say the woman was a Teralani customer.

Lifeguards reportedly met with the vessel and transported the victim to shore utilizing a jet ski.  Medics and fire personnel continued advanced life-saving efforts and the victim was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition, police said.

Despite all life saving measures, the victim died at the hospital, according to Maui police.

Police say the cause of death is pending autopsy results.