LIHUE – Two snorkelers were rescued at Larsen’s Beach and an injured hiker was airlifted from Hanakapiai on Thursday afternoon. The first rescue occurred about 2:30 p.m. when two snorkelers were swept out to sea. A 63-year-old man from Long Beach, California,
LIHUE – Two snorkelers were rescued at Larsen’s Beach and an injured hiker was airlifted from Hanakapiai on Thursday afternoon.
The first rescue occurred about 2:30 p.m. when two snorkelers were swept out to sea. A 63-year-old man from Long Beach, California, had been snorkeling in the channel when he was pulled outside the reef by the strong current. His 16-year-old son then grabbed a rescue tube and swam out to his father.
When Engine 1 arrived, they found the two men hanging onto the rescue tube about 300 yards west of the channel. Two firefighters attempted a rescue, but the current was too strong for them to reach the distressed swimmers.
Eventually, the current carried the swimmers over the reef to calmer waters near the end of the beach. From there, they made it to shore and were met by fire personnel and Medic 23.
The father was having difficulty breathing due to inhaling a large amount of salt water and was taken to Wilcox Memorial Hospital.
The two firefighters who attempted the rescue were brought to shore on a jet ski manned by lifeguards from Tower 1.
While the rescue was in progress at Larsen’s Beach, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 flew to Hanakapiai to render aid to a hiker with an ankle injury. They carried the 36-year-old Medford, Oregon, woman from the trail to Air 1 and placed her inside the helicopter. From there, they flew to Princeville Airport and Medic 22 then transported her to Wilcox Hospital.
