Windsurfer Dies off Kanahā, Maui

A 75-year-old man died after running into trouble while windsurfing off of Kanahā Beach Park in Kahului on Tuesday afternoon, July 18, 2017.

Kanahā. File photo by Wendy Osher.

Ocean safety lifeguards responded to the incident at around 2 p.m. when they observed a kite boarder about 500-yards out, towing the windsurfer in towards shore.

Ocean safety personnel launched their rescue watercraft from the beach and made contact with the kite boarder and the man who was in tow.

Lifeguards got the windsurfer on board their watercraft and were in the process of bringing him to shore when authorities say he suddenly went unresponsive.

Once on shore, lifeguards performed CPR on the male victim until paramedics and a hazardous materials fire crew could arrive; however, despite all life-saving efforts officials say the victim could not be resuscitated and died at the scene.

Fire officials say the victim is from California and is also a part-time Kīhei resident.