KALIHIWAI — Rescue personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard were unsuccessful in an attempt to retrieve two bodies floating in the waters off of Kaua‘i’s North Shore. Visitors spotted the bodies in waters below a
KALIHIWAI — Rescue personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard were unsuccessful in an attempt to retrieve two bodies floating in the waters off of Kaua‘i’s North Shore.
Visitors spotted the bodies in waters below a cliff near South Kalihiwai Point at around 5:10 p.m. Friday evening, according to county officials.
KFD responded with Engine 1, Rescue 3 and Air 1 and medics responded to the scene, according to the county.
A U.S. Coast Guard vessel attempted to reach the area but the ocean was too rough to attempt a water-based rescue, according to the county.
According to scanner chatter, the waves were estimated to be between 15 and 30 feet.
Shortly after 6 p.m., it was reported that the distressed swimmers had been in the water without any sign of life for at least 40 minutes, according to scanner chatter.
Their identities are unknown at this time, according to the county.
The search was called off at 6:35 p.m. due to lack of light and the high surf.
KFD will resume in the morning pending weather conditions.
Kaua‘i was in a high surf warning today for north- and west-facing shores, and the warning has been extended by the National Weather Service through 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. The service has advised that anyone entering the waters risks serious injury or death.
The Garden Island will post more details as they become available.
