Heroic rescue at sea: Teen survives 12‑hour ordeal with kayak
A 17-year-old, Kahiau Kawai, spent nearly 12 hours at sea after his kayak overturned during a school training session. Thanks to lifeguard Noland Keaulana and rescue services, the teenager was found and safely brought ashore.
Wednesday evening started off ordinarily for Noland Keaulana. While repairing his car at his grandparents', he received a notification about the disappearance of a 17-year-old boy off the coast of Honolulu, United States. When his wife called with the news that the missing person was the son of their friend, Keaulana, who had been a lifeguard at the Ocean Safety Department for 16 years, decided to take action.
I knew I couldn't waste any more time - Keaulana told CNN.
At this time, Kahiau Kawai had been struggling with strong currents for several hours, which were pulling him away from the shore. His kayak had overturned during the school kayaking team training.
It was really tough there, the waves were very strong, and I just couldn't fight the current. When the sun started to set and I drifted further as it got darker, that's when I began to worry - Kahiau recounted.
Without a paddle, he clung to his 6-metre surf ski kayak, alternating between lying on it and swimming alongside. He shouted for help, but nearby boats were too far to hear him.
I saw helicopters flying over a certain area many times, but they weren't reaching as far as I was, which scared me a little - he recalled. - At some point, I knew I wouldn't be able to fight the current, so I tried to relax and stay calm - he added.
The 17-year-old fought for his life for 12 hours at sea. He was rescued
His plan was to stay calm, keep swimming, and when the current weakened, try to slowly return to where he fell from the kayak.
The search started around 6:30 PM when his teammates noticed he was missing and called 911. The fire department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and over 50 people were involved in the operation.
Keaulana joined the search, feeling increasing anxiety. "I was starting to lose hope. I don't know if he's still holding onto the kayak or if he's given up, I'm thinking about the worst-case scenario. I was angry with myself for not setting out earlier" - he admitted.
At around 11 AM Eastern Time, after over eight hours of searching, a Coast Guard aircraft crew spotted the kayak and the teenager holding onto it. They fired a flare to mark the position and directed Keaulana there.
He just appeared right before my eyes. He was kicking his legs in the water, clinging to the middle of the kayak, I see his head above water and think: is he alive? - Keaulana recounted. - I called out, Kahiau? and when he answered "Yes", very calmly, I just broke down into tears - he added.
When pulled aboard, Kahiau had spent nearly 12 hours at sea. One of the first things he said after being rescued was: "I'm worried that my mum is worrying about me" - Keaulana reported.
Kahiau was taken to the hospital in a serious, but stable condition and treated for hypothermia and injuries. He was discharged on Saturday morning.
