Rainbow Falls rescue. Big Island Now photo. Nov. 25, 2017.
Swimmers were reported missing approximately 100 yards above Rainbow Falls on the Wailuku River on Nov. 25, 2017.
The Hawai‘i Fire Department arrived 12:40 p.m., and within the first 10 to 15 minutes, witnesses reported that there was a male and female party having difficulty swimming in a pond above of Rainbow Falls.
The two were seen going under and not seen again.
Rainbow Falls rescue. Big Island Now photo. Nov. 25, 2017.
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The female was found unconscious in the water below Rainbow Falls. She was extricated via Chopper 1 using the Billy Pugh net to an awaiting medic unit.
The medic unit transported the patient to Hilo Medical Center with CPR in progress en-route.
An aerial, ground and dive search was conducted in the pond and areas downstream for the missing male. The search was suspended at nightfall; it will resume tomorrow.
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The woman was reported to be in her 40s; the male’s age is unknown.
Rainbow Falls rescue. Big Island Now photo. Nov. 25, 2017.
Witnesses said CPR was performed on the woman on the way to Hilo Medical Center.
The male was not found after several dive operations were suspended.
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Rainbow Falls rescue. Big Island Now photo. Nov. 25, 2017.
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