LIHUE — During the Kauai Fire Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, members took time to honor six first responders for their life-saving rescue that took place on Dec. 26 in Anini.
Four Kauai Fire Department personnel, including Fire Capt. Chauncey Pa, Fire Fighter III Edward Pananganan, Fire Fighter I Ryan Allen and Fire Fighter I Matthew Maurico, and two Ocean Safety Bureau personnel, including Ocean Safety Officer II Kesavaa Davis and Ocean Safety Officer II Mattaniah Milbrand, were presented Kahea Mauliola Continuum of Care commendations based on nomination from Fire Chief Michael Gibson.
“We would like to take this opportunity today to recognize the exceptional bravery and teamwork of our Ocean Safety officers and firefighters in a recent life-threatening rescue at Wanini,” Gibson said in a release. “During dusk hours on Dec. 26, and under a High Surf Advisory with big waves and strong rip currents, the emergency crews responded to a 911 call regarding two kayakers caught in a powerful current in the Anini back channel.”
The caller, who was a surfer, recognized that the two kayakers stuck in the current were getting taken further out, and although they were not waving for help, recognized that these people were in trouble.
“Our North Rove Lifeguard team who stayed late on duty due to the conditions, responded immediately and launched their ski from Hanalei Bay,” Gibson said. “Simultaneously, Air 1 and firefighters from Station 1 — E1 and T1 — arrived at Sirens Channel where they met the 911 caller and several concerned bystanders.”
“Our crews observed two kayakers struggling against the rip current just outside the breaking waves,” Gibson said. “The male kayaker managed to reach the reef’s edge, but the female kayaker was repeatedly flipped over by large waves and being pulled further out to sea.”
“Facing darkness and hazardous conditions, the North Rove team executed a high-risk maneuver, navigating around the reef due to low tide, and successfully pulled the female kayaker onto the rescue ski, abandoning the kayak for safety,” the fire chief said.
Gibson said given the poor visibility and treacherous surf, North Rove determined that bringing the victim back through Anini’s boat channel was too dangerous. Instead, the crew opted for the safer alternative which was transporting her via the ski to Hanalei Bay boat ramp where Medic 22 provided medical evaluation on their arrival.
Meanwhile, a firefighter paddled out on a board to inform the male kayaker that the female was safe and guided him back to shore.
“The male kayaker declined medical assistance,” Gibson said. “Despite the male kayaker’s concern for recovering the female’s lost kayak, emergency personnel prioritized the reunion of the rescued individual at Hanalei Bay.”
“This successful rescue in near-total darkness, powerful surf, and relentless currents exemplifies the courage, skill, and dedication of our lifeguards and firefighters,” Gibson said. “Had it not been for the swift actions of North Rove Ocean Safety Officers Matt Milbrand and Kawai Davis, this incident could have ended in tragedy.”
“On behalf of the Kauai Fire Department, and our community, we extend our deepest appreciation to the Ocean Safety officers and firefighters who risked their own safety to save a life that night,” Gibson said.
