Four Kayakers Rescued From Rough Wailea Waters

Coast Guard Station Maui at Maalaea, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

A group of four kayakers were rescued in waters off of South Maui on Saturday afternoon, when weather conditions reportedly blew them offshore toward the open ocean, Coast Guard officials said.

Coast Guard crews aboard a 45-foot response boat were conducting training in the area and diverted to the scene about three miles off the coast of Wailea according to a press release issued by the agency today.

The report stated that crews were notified of the kayakers in distress by a vessel operator in the area.  Authorities reported winds were blowing at approximately 25 mph and sea conditions worsened to swells of three to four feet.

Coast Guard officials say all four kayakers, including an adult and three children, were picked up and taken to shore at 2 p.m.  All were wearing life jackets and were uninjured, according to authorities.

The Coast Guard issued a reminder to mariners to check weather conditions prior to departure, and urged them to file a float plan with a responsible friend, family member or harbor master.