3 people rescued Sunday aboard sailboat off Keālia Pond in Kīhei

Three residents were rescued from a sailboat offshore of the Keālia Pond area along North Kīhei Road on Sunday. The incident was reported at 10:40 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2026.

Fire and Ocean Safety personnel responded to a distress call that the vessel’s mast and sail had malfunctioned, rendering it unable to make way. Conditions on scene were described as trades blowing at 10 mph.

The persons on board were located about 100 yards from shore, and were transported to safety. Fire officials say they were uninjured and did not require medical attention. The vessel was towed to shore by Ocean Safety personnel.

Responding units included Engine 6, Ocean Safety Captain, Ocean Safety Jetski 6, and the US Coast Guard.