Watch: 17-Year-Old Kayaker Rescued By Off-Duty Lifeguard After 12 Hours Adrift In Rough Seas

A 17-year-old Kayaker was rescued after spending nearly 12 hours adrift in rough seas off the coast of Honolulu.

Multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, Coast Guard Station Honolulu, Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, Honolulu Fire Department helicopter and boat crews, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, and Honolulu Airport Fire Rescue coordinated in the overnight search.

The teenager, identified as Kahiau Kawai, was paddling with his high school team on Wednesday, October 16, in the afternoon when the weather took a rough turn.

After the group returned to shore, they noticed that Kawai was missing. Authorities were notified of his absence around 6:30 p.m.

The United States Coast Guard launched search operations, dispatching an HC-130 Hercules aircraft, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, and a response boat.

A USCG airplane from Air Station Barbers Point helps direct an off-duty lifeguard to a lost 17-year-old clinging to a kayak offshore the War Memorial Natatorium in Honolulu, HI, Oct. 17. The teen had been missing since 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 16.

Press Release: https://t.co/ailRwE7pMj pic.twitter.com/VaDlFrpZmp

— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) October 21, 2024

Video Credits: U.S. Coast Guard/X

Meanwhile, Noland Keaulana, an off-duty lifeguard, began his own search at 8:30 p.m. and covered around 100 miles of sea throughout the night.

After an overnight search, around 4 a.m. on Thursday, the Coast Guard’s Hercules aircraft spotted Kawai clinging to his overturned kayak about half a mile offshore.

Kawai, who lost his paddle, was using the kayak as a floatation device to stay close to shore. The Coast Guard deployed a flare to locate him and signaled Keaulana, who was nearby, to assist.

Keaulana, acting on Coast Guard directions, saw Kawai and rescued him onboard his boat. Keaulana wrapped the teen in blankets and took him to Ala Wai Boat Harbor, where he was treated for cold, dehydration and severe cramps.

Kawai was then taken to a local hospital, where he is said to be in serious but stable condition. His family thanked Keaulana, the Coast Guard, and those involved in the search operation for their heroic efforts.

Keaulana expressed relief upon finding Kawai alive, saying he couldn’t have rested without doing everything possible to rescue him. “The whole night was emotional, and every minute felt critical,” He added. When I finally saw his head above water next to the kayak, I was just thankful.”

The rescue effort follows a similar operation in which the Coast Guard saved a boat captain clinging to a cooler off Longboat Key.

References: USCG, CBS News

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Source: Maritime Shipping News