Hawai‘i Fire Department: Swimmer in distress after driving Jeep over cliffside at South Point

Big Island fire department, police and U.S. Coast Guard personnel responded to reports of a swimmer in distress off the Ka‘u coastline at South Point early Sunday morning.

Upon arrival, the distressed individual – who has yet to be identified by authorities – was seen approximately 100 yards offshore. First responders determined the swimmer, who was alone, had entered the water after accidentally driving a rented Jeep off the nearby cliffs.

The swimmer was coached to a safe spot at the bottom of the cliffs where he could exit the water to be treated by emergency medical service personnel. He suffered from some facial injuries, scratches and slight hypothermia.