Three Rescued From Waters at Kaihalulu, Hāna – Maui

Three individuals were rescued from waters at Kaihalulu “Red Sand Beach” in Hāna on Sunday afternoon. All three were treated for water aspiration and one of them, a 10-year-old boy from Iceland, was flown to Maui Memorial Medical Center for additional treatment.

Crews initially responded to a report at 2:22 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019 of five individuals in distress at the location.

When Engine 7 from Hāna arrived on scene, two individuals had already exited the water, while three others (an adult Molokai man and two visitors from Iceland–an adult male and a juvenile male) remained in distress about 150 to 200 yards offshore.

One firefighter entered the water to make a swimming rescue of one adult victim. Fire Ski 7 was able to maneuver inside to pick up the other adult and the child. Personnel aboard the Jet Ski transported the two most serious patients to Hāna Bay, leaving two firefighters and one adult swimmer in the ocean.

Air 1 arrived and picked up the remaining swimmer and rescuers, lifting them to Hāna Ball Field.

Rescue crews left the scene at 4:16 p.m.

Fire officials say winds were blowing from the east at 15 mph, and seas were very choppy and 10 feet with occasional larger sets due to the effects of Tropical cyclone Flossie. There was a High Surf Warning in effect for the area at the time of the rescue.