Nine people were rescued today of the West Maui shoreline at Olowalu when winds apparently swept their kayaks out to sea. At 2:05 p.m., Maui Fire and Rescue Engine 3, Ladder 3 and Jet Ski 3 were dispatched to Olowalu  for a report of kayakers in distress. US Coast Guard also responds to assist. Crews arrived on scene and saw a cluster of kayaks approximately a half-mile out.

Ocean Safety’s Rescue Watercraft JS-3 was on scene, made contact with the group and begins to assist them.  JS-3 brought two people back to shore at Camp Olowalu, who then informed fire personnel that there were seven more people out there. JS-3 went back out, picked up three more kayakers, and took them  to the Alii Nui, a catamaran which was anchored in the area where they were snorkeling.  Coast guard arrived on scene and picked up the remaining kayakers.

All are safe, no one is in need of medical attention.  Total nine persons rescued including seven clients, one assistant and one leader. Traffic along Honoapi’ilani Highway was slowed throughout the afternoon as motorists took in the rescue scenes.