HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR1-31-17KFD
C O U NT Y O F KAU A‘I
BERNARD P. CARVALHO, JR.
Mayor
WALLACE G. REZENTES, JR.
Managing Director
KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 31, 2017
ROBERT WESTERMAN, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-4980
Fax (808) 241-6508
Multiple agencies search for woman in waters off ‘Anini Beach
‘ANINI – Rescuers continue to search for a female visitor in waters off ‘Anini Beach after
she was apparently swept out to sea while swimming Monday evening.
Her identity has not yet been released.
According to a preliminary report, the 22-year-old Maryland woman entered the water at
the north-end of ‘Anini Beach, when she became distressed and called out to her friend for help.
The friend, a Kapa‘a man, jumped into the water to assist her, when he then got caught in a rip
current and became distressed.
Witnesses called 911 shortly after 6 p.m. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a
bystander on a paddle board assisting the distressed male swimmer roughly 150 yards from
shore. A firefighter on a rescue board helped in bringing the male victim safely to the beach,
while a firefighter on Jet Ski searched for the woman.
The 37-year-old Kapa‘a man was treated by responding medics and released at the
scene.
Firefighters on Jet Ski continued their search for the woman until nightfall but could not
locate her. At that point, the U.S. Coast Guard continued the search throughout the night with its
MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and Cutter.
The air, land and sea-based search resumed this morning with personnel from the
Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Ocean Safety Bureau, the Kaua‘i Police Department and the Coast
Guard. Assets used in today’s search include the Coast Guard Cutter and Dolphin helicopter,
Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, firefighters on Jet Ski, and OSB’s North Shore Roving Patrol Unit on Jet
Ski.
A High Surf Warning was in place for all north and west-facing shores through Monday.
A High Surf Advisory is now in place for all north and east-facing shores until 6 p.m.
Wednesday.
Officials urge all beachgoers to heed all posted warnings.
For an updated ocean advisory, speak to a lifeguard, call the Ocean Safety Bureau at
241-4984, or visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov/hawaii.
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