Puako Information Update for January 6th, 2020

A Paddleboard and Kayakers were rescued after getting into distress in rough ocean conditions offshore of Puako Monday morning (January 6th).

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with the Ocean Safety Jet Ski team responded to reports of a kayaker in distress in waters offshore of the Puako in South Kohala Monday morning (January 6th).

The initial call came in at 10:02 am Monday morning and HFD crews from the South Kohala and Kailua (Rescue Company 7) Fire Stations along with Battalion 2, Ocean Safety Jet Ski Team 2 stationed at Hapuna Beach, Chopper 1 and Chopper 2 responded to the scene located offshore of Puako in the South Kohala district.

Upon the arrival of HFD crews, bystanders onshore reported kayak with four soles aboard (one adult and three children), were kayaking in waters offshore of Puako when they got caught in rough ocean conditions, overturned, and was reported to clinging to the kayak. High winds were pushing them further and further away from shore.

Once emergency crews arrived on scene, Ocean Safety's Jet Ski 2 team located the kayak and brought the four individuals safely back to the shore, uninjured. Jet Ski 2 also assisted back to shore a paddleboard in the rough ocean conditions. Chopper 2 provided aerial surveillance and remained on scene until all parties were safely brought back to shore.

HFD officials remind the public to check conditions prior to beginning any ocean-related activities.