Coast Guard Rescues Surfer, Mariner Medevaced on Maui

PC: Coast Guard Hawaii

Responders from Coast Guard Station Maui joined personnel with the Maui Fire Department and Pride of Maui in rescuing a surfer in distress about 150-yards off Ukumehame Beach Park on Saturday morning.

The surfer was pushed out to sea by high winds and was picked up by the crew of the Pride of Maui who moved him to a Station Maui 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew.

A Maui County Fire Department Jet Ski operator picked up the surfer from the Pride of Maui and brought him back to shore.

The RB-M crew retrieved his board to preclude any additional reports of distress that might be generated by future sightings.

With Hurricane Hector approaching, the Coast Guard recommends waterway users plan for hazardous conditions on the ocean.

Even if Hurricane Hector does not hit the Hawaiian Islands directly, its proximity can still cause high winds and strong currents, which may not be evident to an observer on the shore.

Also, Saturday morning, a Station Maui RB-M crew medevaced a 45-year-old passenger from the vessel Ocean Voyager near Maui, who was suffering symptoms of seasickness and heat exhaustion.

The RB-M crew brought the passenger to awaiting emergency medical services at Kihei Boat Ramp.

A small craft advisory is in effect for areas to the south of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the waters south of the Big Island and a Hurricane Warning, in advance of Hurricane Hector, is in effect for the Main Hawaiian Islands. Sustained winds of 40 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots) are possible due to a tropical storm within 48 hours with seas of 5 to 8 feet, building to 12 feet.

Beachgoers and mariners are advised to monitor weather forecasts and update from the National Weather Service Honolulu and National Hurricane Center.