Divers rescued out of rough waters in South Kona

A man and woman scuba diving in South Kona on Monday were rescued after getting stranded in high surf and rough waters 100 yards offshore.

At 1:24 p.m., Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to Pebble Beach down Kona Paradise on a report of swimmers in distress. When crews arrived on scene they found two individuals hanging onto their buoy waving and asking for help.

According to fire officials, the couple underestimated the rough surf. They both lost their masks and the man lost a fin.

The department deployed Chopper 2 where the divers were hoisted to safety in a Billy Pugh net. Once back on shore, the pair denied further medical assistance.