10 Canoes Swamped at Start of Molokai Race

Courtesy of Sherry Tancayo and Clare Mawae.

By Wendy Osher

A total of 10 canoes were swamped early this morning as paddlers prepared to race in the Women’s Na Wahine O Ke Kai race from Molokai to Oahu.

Maui firefighters and rescue crews responded to a report, which was received at 7:46 a.m., of several canoes in distress at Hale O Lono Harbor on Molokai, with an estimated 30 people in the water. The race was scheduled to start at 8 a.m.

Six firefighters and two fire rescue jet skis arrived from the Kaunakakai and Ho’olehua stations shortly after 8:30 a.m. to find there had been a total of 10 canoes swamped as paddlers were attempting to exit the harbor before the start of the race, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Courtesy of Sherry Tancayo and Clare Mawae.

A 30-year-old woman from the Kailua Canoe Club was injured after a large wave swamped the team’s canoe, officials said. She was transported by the event’s medical escort vessel back to shore where she was taken by ambulance to Molokai General Hospital for complaints of rib and shoulder injuries.

There were no other reported injuries, officials said.

Of the 10 canoes that were swamped, authorities said 9 went on to start the race. One canoe was damaged and was towed back to shore by event boats, according to officials.

*** Results of the race are available at the following direct LINK.

Courtesy of Sherry Tancayo and Clare Mawae.

Courtesy of Sherry Tancayo and Clare Mawae.

Courtesy of Sherry Tancayo and Clare Mawae.

Courtesy of Sherry Tancayo and Clare Mawae.