Teen rescued from high surf off La'ie
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
A 17-year-old was rescued yesterday after she jumped off La'ie Point and was unable to get back to shore because of rough, choppy seas.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
Honolulu Fire and city Ocean Safety crews were called at about 1:40 p.m. when someone reported a girl struggling in turbulent water about 75 to 100 yards off the point.
With the north and west shores largely unsurfable, the holiday brought crowds to town off Diamond Head.
Ocean Safety Lt. John Hoogsteden said the teen apparently had jumped off the rocks and was swept out by the current.
Two firefighters went in the water and were joined by lifeguards Mark Dombroski and Kalohe Bloomfield. Together, they brought the girl to shore.
There was no one in the water when the girl jumped in, Hoogsteden said, and waves were in the 8- to 10-foot range. He said the girl was lucky someone saw her.
"Where she was, she was hidden by the surf, but the whole turbulence of the ocean made it impossible for her to get back to where she wanted to be," Hoogsteden said. "She wouldn't have lasted too long."
He warned that the surf is expected to be high again today and people should not get close to the water. Anyone with doubts should ask a lifeguard, he said.
"Don't expect to go to the North Shore and be able to shell-pick or go into the water," he said. "We don't want to get anyone hurt."
The National Weather Service issued a high-surf warning yesterday for all northwest-facing shores. Lead forecaster Bob Farrell said wave faces of 20 to 25 feet were expected through this morning.
The surf should decline slightly later today, he said, with another large swell expected Friday.
