Kawaihae Information Update for March 2nd, 2021

Six people and canoe rescued after capsizing in waters of Kawaihae Bay Tuesday morning (March 2nd).

Published by: HIRSC - Hawaii Island (Holualoa and Kamuela) Team

info@hiradioscannercommunity.com

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with Ocean Safety Jet Ski Team responded to a report of a water rescue incident (capsized canoe) in the waters of Kawaihae Bay Tuesday morning (March 2nd).

The initial call came in at 8:49 am Tuesday morning and HFD Crews from the South Kohala Fire Station along with Ocean Safety Jet Ski Team (Jet Ski 2) and Battalion 2 responded to the scene located approximately 100 yards offshore of Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor (or near the break wall of Kawaihae Harbor).

Upon the arrival of emergency crews, reports came into HFD Dispatch reporting a canoe (described as a 6 man outrigger canoe with no club name given nor disclosed) had overturned (capsized) in the waters of Kawaihae Harbor near the break wall in the rough ocean and windy conditions. 6 people (or paddlers, no exact ages or genders given) were aboard at the time of the incident were swimming in place, holding onto the canoe, and awaiting the arrival of emergency crews.

Once emergency crews arrived at the scene, HFD Jet Ski 2 deployed into the water and reached the location of the 6 people and canoe within Kawaihae Bay. Jet Ski 2 determined all parties were uninjured and help bring all parties back to shore safely. Ocean Safety and 3 paddlers were able to safely upright the canoe and bring it also back to shore.

At the time of the incident, a nearby personal weather station in the Kohala Estates subdivision just uphill of Kawaihae Harbor had recorded gust of over 66 mph at 9:05 am Tuesday morning.

A Wind Advisory for the South Kohala district, as well as a Gale Warning for the waters offshore of Kohala Coast, was in effect at the time of the incident.