California Woman Collapses After Snorkeling at Puʻu Kekaʻa, “Black Rock”

Puʻu Kekaʻa “Black Rock”. File photo by Wendy Osher.

A 69-year-old woman from Bakersfield, California, was transported to the hospital in critical condition after collapsing at the beach fronting the ocean at Puʻu Kekaʻa “Black Rock” in Kāʻanapali on Friday.

The incident was reported at 10:44 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017.

Authorities say the woman had been snorkeling on the south side of Puʻu Kekaʻa with another family member. After feeling uneasy, the woman reportedly swam back to shore and exited the water, collapsing as she walked up the beach.

Lahaina firefighters arrived at 10:52 a.m. to find bystanders and Sheraton Maui staff on the beach performing CPR on the woman. Firefighters continued CPR on the female victim until paramedics arrived a short time later to provide advanced life support care.

The woman was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center for further treatment.