Kayaker rescued 6 miles off South Point

A kayaker beset by weather in waters off South Point was rescued Monday by the U.S. Coast Guard and Hawaii Fire Department.

At 7:55 a.m. Monday, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from Hawaii County reporting dispatchers had received a call from a kayaker in distress. The kayaker, who had drifted offshore while fishing Sunday night, stated he was capsizing and fatigued.

Coast Guard and Hawaii Fire Department assets were subsequently launched with Chopper 1 reaching the scene 6 miles offshore first. The county helicopter remained over the kayaker until the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball arrived and recovered the kayaker with his craft and transported him to Keauhou Bay.

No injuries or medical concerns were reported.

“Even the most experienced mariner can find themselves in trouble when out on the ocean and that is especially true following a large storm,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Lackey, a Sector Honolulu watchstander. “The islands are still feeling the after effects of Hurricane Douglas and we urge people to exercise caution due to the high surf and strong rip currents caused by the storm.”

The weather on scene was winds of 28 mph and seas up to 8 feet.