Police, fire and Coast Guard units responded early Friday evening to rescue a swimmer in distress in waters off the Puna coastline near the Kumukahi Lighthouse.
Police, fire and Coast Guard units responded early Friday evening to rescue a swimmer in distress in waters off the Puna coastline near the Kumukahi Lighthouse.
Those involved in the rescue include a county helicopter, plus a Coast Guard helicopter and C-130 aircraft.
The swimmer, who wasn’t identified in a Hawaii Fire Department statement by name, age or gender, was found about 100 yards offshore and was holding on to a makeshift flotation device.
The Coast Guard was able to deploy a rescue raft from the C-130 and the swimmer was able to safely make it to the raft. The swimmer remained safely in the raft for some time but due to rough waters and windy conditions the raft was forced back toward the cliffs.
The swimmer was able to climb the cliff to safety with assistance from HFD personnel.
The swimmer suffered from some minor scratches and slight hypothermia. First aid was administered but the person refused further treatment or an ambulance.
