HFD Rescues Children From ‘Raging River’

Photo courtesy of the Sayre Foundation’s Facebook page.

The Wailuku River was “raging” Monday afternoon, as the Hawai‘i Fire Department rescued two children from its clutches.

A report of two minors caught in the wake of Wailuku was made at 5:19 p.m. Monday. First responders were on the scene seven minutes later to begin the swift water rescue.

HFD said that upon arrival, rescue teams located a 10-year-old male and a 14-year-old female clinging to a rock in the middle of a “raging river.”

Water rescue lowered a fire rescue specialist from a helicopter just upstream of the children, who were safely extricated by way of a Billy Pugh net. HFD transported both children to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room where they were reported to be in stable condition.

For video of the rescue, click here.