WAILUA — A local surfer who nearly lost his life Wednesday afternoon at Horners surf spot in Wailua remains in guarded condition at Wilcox Memorial Hospital. The 44-year-old Lihu‘e man was surfing around 4:35 p.m. when he apparently struck a
WAILUA — A local surfer who nearly lost his life Wednesday afternoon at Horners surf spot in Wailua remains in guarded condition at Wilcox Memorial Hospital.
The 44-year-old Lihu‘e man was surfing around 4:35 p.m. when he apparently struck a rock and was knocked unconscious, according to Kaua‘i Fire Department officials. The man was apparently surfing by himself.
Two local boogie boarders, Cameron Markow and Derek Yamana, said they saw a man face-down and floating back from the reef. The two 16 year-old Kapa‘a youths said they thought the man was resting but after he seemed to remain motionless for too long they jumped in to save him.
The man was semi-conscious and mumbling something, Markow said. They had a tough time carrying him over the rocky shoreline and were assisted by Brian Murphy, of Kapa‘a.
Murphy said he and his companion were walking near the beach when they heard people shouting about the man floating in the water still attached to his surf board.
Someone called 911 and Murphy said he headed to the beach and assisted the teens with carrying the man across the rocky shoreline.
“He was conscious but he was turning blue,” said Murphy.
Markow said the man had several cuts, and especially on his hips. They said this meant he probably got into trouble with the reef. He said that the reef is fairly close and sticks out in low tide.
This was the second time that Markow has pulled a swimmer from the water. He saved his brother-in-law at Anahola beach in a similar situation when he got caught in a swell near the reef.
KFD’s Engine 2 and Truck 2, along with police and medics, responded to the call. The victim was placed in an ambulance which remained on the scene as medics made lifesaving efforts to open an airway and get medication in to stabilize the victim, according to one fireman.
The victim was transported to Wilcox via ambulance where his condition continues to be monitored.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
