Two Visitors Die in Separate West Maui Water Incidents

File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Two visitors died yesterday following separate ocean rescue efforts off of West Maui on Wednesday afternoon.

The individuals have since been identified by Maui police as Joseph Klein, 81, of Alberta, Canada, and Lloyd H. Kahlandt, 63, of Tekamah, Nebraska.

The first incident, involving Klein, was reported at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, on the shoreline fronting the Kaleialoha Condominiums along Lower Honoapiʻilani Road in Lahaina where crews responded to a report of a swimmer in distress.

Police say officers arrived on scene to find the man being assisted on the rocky shoreline fronting the condominium complex. An investigation revealed that the man was snorkeling and found floating face down near the shoreline.

Klein, who was unconscious but breathing on his own, was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for further treatment where he died at 2:47 p.m., said Lt. William Juan.

File photo Luaniupoko by Wendy Osher.

The other incident, involving Kahlandt, was reported at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, on the beach at Launiupoko Park where officers responded to a report of an unresponsive man.

Police say officers arrived on scene to find volunteers conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the victim.

The Maui Fire Department and Medics arrived shortly thereafter to continue life saving efforts, however, Kahlandt could not be revived and died at the scene, said Lt. Juan.

According to police reports, an investigation revealed that the victim was swimming in the ocean about 25 feet from shore on the south side of the park when he went under water, but did not resurface.

The cause of death in both incidents is pending autopsy results.