Two Paddleboarders Rescued off Kīhei, Maui

Two individuals aboard a stand up paddleboard were rescued by firefighters and ocean safety personnel on Sunday afternoon, July 16, 2017, in Kīhei.

SUP rescue. Maui Now graphic.

Crews were called at around 1:15 p.m. to assist a 57-year-old visitor and his 10-year-old niece, who were unable to get back to shore when afternoon tradewinds kicked up and prevented them from returning to the beach.

Fire officials say the pair could not paddle against the stiff afternoon winds and were blown about a mile-and-a-half south from their starting point near the Māʻalaea Surf Resort in North Kīhei.

The two were spotted and picked up by personnel aboard an ocean safety rescue watercraft. Both were returned to shore unharmed.