First responders honored at Fire Commission meeting for Wanini rescue
Published on March 19, 2025
LĪHU‘E — At Tuesday’s Fire Commission meeting, the Kaua‘i Fire Department honored several first responders for saving the lives of two kayakers last December.
“This challenging nighttime rescue, executed in near-total darkness, powerful surf, and relentless currents, demonstrated exceptional bravery, skill, and teamwork,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “The swift and decisive actions of these first responders played a crucial role in preventing what could have been a tragic outcome. The Kaua‘i Fire Department and the community extend their deepest gratitude to all the Ocean Safety Officers and firefighters who put their own safety at risk to save lives that night.”
Emergency crews, including Ocean Safety Officers and personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department Station, executed a nighttime rescue at Wanini on Dec. 26, 2024, involving two kayakers caught in the ‘Anini back channel rip current during a High Surf Advisory.
According to reports, emergency crews responded to a call of two kayakers caught in a powerful rip current in the ‘Anini back channel. The caller witnessed the kayakers being pulled further out to sea and in distress.
OSB personnel with the North Rove Patrol team launched their rescue ski from Hanalei Bay. At the same time, firefighters from the Hanalei Fire Station arrived at Sirens Channel, where they met the 911 caller and concerned bystanders. Upon arrival, crews observed the kayakers struggling against the current beyond the breaking waves. The male kayaker had managed to reach the edge of the reef, holding his position, but the female kayaker was repeatedly overturned by large waves and pulled further out to sea.
With darkness setting in and hazardous surf, OSB personnel executed a high-risk maneuver, carefully navigating around the reef due to low tide. They reached the female kayaker, pulled her onto the rescue ski, and abandoned her kayak for safety. The team determined that returning through ‘Anini’s boat channel was too dangerous, given the poor visibility and treacherous conditions. Instead, they transported her via ski to the Hanalei Bay boat ramp, where personnel with American Medical Response performed a medical evaluation upon arrival.
Meanwhile, a firefighter paddled on a board to reach the male kayaker, informing him that the female was safe. He then guided the male kayaker safely back to shore. Although the male kayaker declined medical attention, he was concerned about recovering the lost kayak. Emergency personnel prioritized reuniting him with the rescued individual, ensuring both were safe.
The following were honored on Tuesday:
Ocean Safety Bureau
OSO II Kesava Davis
OSO II Mattaniah Milbrand
Līhu‘e Fire Station, Station 1
Fire Captain Chauncey Pa
Firefighter III Edward Pananganan
Firefighter I Ryan Allen
Firefighter I Matthew Mauricio
Emergency responders were honored today at Tuesday’s Fire Commission Meeting.
From left to right: FFI Ryan Allen, OSO II Mattaniah Milbrand, OSO II Kesava Davis, FFI Matthew Mauricio and Fire Captain Chauncey Pa.
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