Windsurfer in Distress Rescued at Hoʻokipa

View of from Hoʻokipa on the North Shore. File photo by Madeline Ziecker.

By Wendy Osher

A windsurfer was transported to the hospital in serious condition after he was rescued from waters at Hoʻokipa Beach Park on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

The incident was reported at 3:09 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013.

Officials say a lifeguard observed the 39-year-old man having difficulty while separated from his windsurf board.

An ocean safety lifeguard on a rescue board brought the man to shore and began treatment until Pāʻia firefighters and medics arrived on scene, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Responding fire personnel carried the victim along the rocky shoreline and trail to awaiting medics, who transported the man to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for treatment, according to Mainaga.