PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
January 12, 2023
Contact: Mahina Martin (808) 868-6014
County of Maui ocean safety officers make two rescues as National Weather Service extends high surf warning
County of Maui ocean safety officers rescued a snorkeler caught in a rip current and three people aboard a capsized jet ski Thursday, during a second day of high surf from a north-northwest swell. In West Maui, an ocean safety officer aboard rescue watercraft from D.T. Fleming Beach Park was dispatched to Napili Bay at 10:49 a.m. and brought to shore a snorkeler in distress due to a strong rip current caused by the surf. The rescue was among assists and contacts made by ocean safety officers throughout the day, as the swell angle tracked to a more northerly direction and made the high surf more consistent, according to the County of Maui Fire Department.
On the North Shore, an ocean safety officer aboard a rescue watercraft launched from Kanaha Beach Park at 11:30 a.m. to pick up three people who were on a jet ski that capsized and was sinking in 12- to 15-foot surf in the outer reef fronting the lifeguard tower. After the three were taken to shore, the ocean safety officer went back out and was able to recover the jet ski and the occupants' belongings. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources also was on scene. The National Weather Service extended a high surf warning until 6 a.m. Friday.
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