3 Stranded by Rising River at ʻĪao Rescued

Wailuku River at ʻĪao. Maui Now photo.

By Wendy Osher

Maui firefighters rescued two children and an adult who became stranded when rising and turbulent water prevented them from getting back across the Wailuku River on Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters from Wailuku and Kahului responded to the incident at ʻĪao Valley State Park at 1:55 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014.

Crews from Engine-1 arrived on scene to find an adult male, and two girls, ages eight and nine, stranded on the other side of the river, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Authorities say fire personnel instructed them to remain in a safe area on the rocks until more firefighters arrived and until the water receded to a safe level.

Once the water receded, a rescue team crossed the stream and brought each individual safely back across the river, according to FS Chief Mainaga.

Fire officials say there were no injuries reported, and all three, who were local Maui residents, were brought to safety.