Search Resumes After Man Falls Into Nakalele Blowhole

By Wendy Osher

*** Updated story now posted at the following link: http://mauinow.com/2011/07/11/search-suspended-for-man-who-fell-into-maui-blowhole/

Crews from the Maui Fire Department returned to the West Coast of Maui today to search for a 44-year-old California man who fell into the Nakalele blowhole over the weekend.

The incident was reported at around 1:30 Saturday afternoon. Witnesses saw the man fall into the blowhole after he was knocked down by a wave, according to Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Search and rescue crews were on scene until 6:30 p.m. on Saturday; resumed their search at 6 a.m. on Sunday; and again at first light today.

Responding units included Engine 11, Ladder 3, Rescue 10, Air1, JS11A, JS11B, Ocean Safety 1, the Maui Police Department, and MPD Chaplin Brown.