Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A missing teen kayaker was rescued Thursday and returned safely to his family after an overnight search off Oahu’s south shore.
Honolulu Ocean Safety says he was picked up by an off-duty lifeguard who had been searching for the teenager since around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday by boat.
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew spotted the kayaker offshore fronting the Waikiki Natatorium at around 4:20 a.m., marked his location with a flare, and contacted the lifeguard.
The lifeguard brought the teen onto the boat, began efforts to keep him warm, and brought him to the Ala Wai Boat Harbor where Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took over treatment.
Honolulu EMS said paramedics administered advanced life support to the 17-year-old boy for “exhaustion, dehydration, exertion and cold exposure.”
He was listed in serious condition.
Officials said the teen was with a group that had planned to kayak from the Ala Wai Channel to Diamond Head and back around 4 p.m. Wednesday.
“They encountered a little bit of strong wind, so they turned around and headed back,” said Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Dean Baldeviso, who added that the winds were strong enough to flip some of the single-person kayaks over.
“On their way back, they realized that they were missing a kayaker,” he said.
Kamehameha Schools confirmed the teen is a student-athlete. In a statement, the school said:
“Late yesterday afternoon, one of our kayaking student athletes was reported missing by teammates during practice. Our coaches, administrators and staff immediately contacted the Honolulu Fire Department, and a coordinated search effort was launched.
At approximately 5:30 a.m. today, the Honolulu Fire Department confirmed that this student was found. The student is now with his ʻohana.
Throughout last evening and into the early hours of this morning, we have been in constant contact with the student’s family and the officials involved in the search operation.
We are grateful for the heroic efforts of the first responders and everyone who assisted with the search, and for the many prayers that have been sent for the safety of our haumāna. We are profoundly thankful that he is well and now reunited with his ʻohana.”
First responders were called at 6:28 p.m. Crews arrived at 6:35 p.m. and begin a search of the shoreline in the area from the Ala Wai Boat Harbor through parts of Waikiki.
The HFD, State of Hawaii Airports Division, and U.S. Coast Guard took part in the overnight search.
The fire department had 13 units with about 39 personnel involved in searching a large area.
“I know our search companies have run out to about three and a half miles offshore,” said Capt. Baldeviso.
Both of the fire department’s helicopters were involved in the search, along with several rescue boats. Magic Island was used as a landing and refueling zone for the helicopters.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.