Rescue efforts unfolded on Oahu's North Shore after a group of snorkelers became distressed at Three Tables Beach yesterday afternoon. According to a report from KHON2, a 29-year-old male snorkeler was separated from his companions amid significant surf, prompting the activation of multiple first responder agencies.
The Honolulu Fire Department was alerted to the crisis around 3:20 p.m. First units arrived within minutes, by 3:27 p.m., bringing the total response to five units and 14 personnel. Search efforts spanned the sea, with lifeguards on jet skis, and the sky, where an air search was conducted by the Honolulu Fire Department and Ocean Safety. Despite posted warnings of strong currents and the absence of a lifeguard, the snorkelers were overwhelmed by the conditions. Surf at the time was reported by Spectrum Local News to be between six and ten feet and 'building.
Ocean Safety personnel rescued two of the snorkelers, a male and a female, both of whom suffered lacerations but declined transport after being evaluated by paramedics. However, the search for the third snorkeler, believed to be in his 20s, became more frantic as time pressed on.
It was just after 4:30 p.m. when the missing snorkeler was found, according to officials. "OSD recovered the body of the missing snorkeler, a man, possibly in his 20s," as noted by Spectrum Local News. He was pulled to shore where CPR was administered by first responders before EMS took over with advanced life support treatment. The man was eventually transported to the hospital in critical condition.
