2 dead, 1 critically injured after surf incident at Hawaiian beach
Luxury oceanfront homes line Keiki Beach, also called Queens Bath on January 14, 2024 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
HALEIWA, Hawaii - Two people lost their lives and one was injured after being swept up in the surf, according to authorities in Hawaii.
The Honolulu Ocean Safety said earlier this week, first responders got a call about three people who were swept into the ocean by the surf at Ke Iki Beach.
A lifeguard heard the people yelling and saw them in trouble.
Other lifeguards pitched in and swam out into the ocean and brought the group to the shore.
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A 72-year-old woman was transported to a hospital in critical condition. According to KHNL, she later died.
A 41-year-old woman was alert and was transported to a local emergency room.
A 63-year-old man, who was visiting from California, was pronounced dead on the scene.
According to the authorities, there is no lifeguard tower at Ke Iki Beach, but they do patrol the area via jet ski and ATV.
They also said there were strong currents and dangerous shore break signs posted at the time of the incident, and that the closest lifeguard tower is about a half a mile down the beach at Rock Piles.