5 Rescued from Windy Waters in West Maui

Placeholder image. Photo, by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Four paddle boarders and a kayaker were rescued from waters off of Papalaua Beach Park in West Maui over the weekend.

Ocean Safety lifeguards and crews from the Maui Fire Department were dispatched to the scene at 12:40 p.m. on Sunday, February 17, 2013.

A 12-year-old girl along with two of her father’s friends were stand up paddling when the winds came up and started pulling them off shore, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Officials say the girl’s father went out to assist on a paddle board, while another person went out on a kayak. The two managed to get the girl aboard the kayak, but authorities say it then flipped.

Ocean Safety Rescue crews utilized a watercraft to safely assist all parties to shore.  The girl was checked out by medics after she reportedly aspirated water when the kayak  flipped, but authorities say no transport needed.  All parties were reportedly okay.