17-year-old Hawaii kayaker Rescued After Spending Nearly 12 hours Clinging To Kayak Cvernight
A 17-year-old kayaker in Hawaii was successfully rescued after enduring nearly 12 hours clinging to his overturned kayak in rough waters off the south shore of Oahu. The teenager had separated from his high school paddling team following a capsizing incident during a training session, which prompted a multi-agency search involving the U.S. Coast Guard and local rescue teams.
The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the boy was last seen near the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, approximately half a mile offshore. He was paddling a 20-foot surf ski but was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. His high school team immediately alerted authorities upon realizing he was missing. The Honolulu Fire Department notified the Coast Guard’s Sector Honolulu at 7:27 p.m. Wednesday, leading to the launch of a search mission.
Rescue Efforts
The search involved extensive resources, including a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, a HC-130 Hercules airplane, and a 45-foot response boat, all dispatched from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and Coast Guard Station Honolulu. Additionally, the Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Ocean Safety Department deployed helicopter and boat crews to assist in the search.
For nearly 12 hours, the teenager fought against strong currents while clinging to his overturned kayak. He attempted to use the vessel as a makeshift kickboard to propel himself toward shore, but the rough conditions made this nearly impossible. During the night, around 4:20 a.m. on Thursday, a Coast Guard aircraft spotted the boy and released flares to mark his location. Shortly thereafter, an off-duty lifeguard who had been actively searching for him reached him by boat.
The lifeguard shared emotional details of the rescue at a press conference, revealing that the teen appeared in shock and somewhat detached when found. “He told me he was worried about his mother because she probably missed him,” the lifeguard recalled, visibly moved by the experience. “I was crying my guts out because he was okay.”
Aftermath of the Rescue
The teen was transported to Ala Wai Harbor, where Emergency Medical Services personnel treated him for hypothermia and other injuries. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in serious but stable condition. Officials expect him to make a full recovery despite his harrowing ordeal.
The U.S. Coast Guard praised the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved, highlighting that the successful rescue was a result of coordination between Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, the Honolulu Fire Department, and local safety departments. This incident underscores the importance of safety precautions, such as wearing life jackets, while participating in water sports, particularly in unpredictable ocean conditions.
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