Search for 4 Swimmers off Olowalu Suspended

Coast Guard Station Maui at Māʻalaea, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A search was suspended for four swimmers reported missing off of Olowalu in West Maui on Sunday afternoon.

The incident was reported at 12:50 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, and prompted an air and sea search by crews with the Maui Fire Department and US Coast Guard.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said a caller reported seeing four swimmers that appeared to be in distress approximately 500 yards offshore near Mile 14 of the Honoapiʻilani Highway.

According to FS Chief Mainaga, the search continued until 6 p.m. on Sunday, but was suspended pending receipt of further information.  Authorities say there was no one reported or confirmed missing since the initial call was made.

Crews assisting with the search included Engine 3, Ladder 3 and Rescue Boat 3 out of Lahaina; Rescue 10 and the department’s Air 1 helicopter out of Kahului; Jet Ski 3 from the County’s Ocean Safety division; Maui Police officers canvassed the shoreline area; and two vessels and a helicopter were diverted from a search off the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

The Coast Guard helicopter has since returned to the Big Island.