A 17-year-old Hawaii student who became separated from his high school paddling group and spent “nearly 12 hours treading water and clinging to a kayak” was rescued with help from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Authorities released a video early Thursday showing the moment the student, identified by the media as Kahiau Kawai, was pulled from the Pacific Ocean.
“At 7:27 p.m. Wednesday, Honolulu Coast Guard spotters were alerted by Honolulu Fire Department personnel that a 17-year-old boy had become separated from his high school paddling team about a half-mile south of the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. “He reportedly capsized on a 6-metre high surf ski and was not wearing a life jacket,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
“The Honolulu District Warden issued an emergency marine information broadcast and launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, and a 45-foot response from Coast Guard Station Honolulu Please launch medium boat crew to search for missing teen.''
Coast Guard pulls man from cruise ship about 170 miles off the California coast
Video released by the U.S. Coast Guard shows the 17-year-old man clinging to his kayak shortly before being rescued Thursday morning. (Maritime Security District 14)
The boy was found around 4 a.m. Thursday and “a good Samaritan, an off-duty lifeguard with the Honolulu Department of Marine Safety, rescued him from the water,” the Coast Guard said.
“I think he was in complete shock because he wasn't emotional at all. I was actually pissed and crying because he was fine,” the person, Noland Keelana, said. spoke. Quoted from KHON2 As you say. “He said he was worried about my mother because she seemed to miss me.''
Coast Guard video shows helicopter crew rescuers floating in cool area 30 miles off the coast of Florida after storm
A kayak can be seen floating in the water after the student, identified in media reports as Kahiau Kawai, was pulled from the water. (Maritime Security District 14)
Officials said Kawai was treated for injuries sustained in the water and hypothermia.
“The teenager spent nearly 12 hours treading water and clinging to the kayak.” [is] His condition is serious but stable,” the Pacific Coast Guard said, calling the operation an “amazing rescue.”
According to KHON2, Kawai's parents released a statement thanking the “state, city, county, and federal rescue teams who worked tirelessly through the night to find their son, Kahiau.”
The student spent nearly 12 hours in the waters off the coast of Hawaii before being rescued. (Maritime Security District 14)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Mr Kahiau was strong, resilient and brave as he endured 11 and a half hours in the dark as he could see rescue teams searching for him. He is grateful to be back with his family and friends. '' he added in the statement. “Mahalo to all the doctors and nurses caring for him. And lastly, thank you to everyone who joined us in praying for his safe return and for believing in God.”
