Updated at 1:35 p.m., Monday, December 18, 2006
Big Island firefighters rescue swimmer in distress
Advertiser Staff
Big Island firefighters responding to one near drowning ended up saving another swimmer in distress yesterday afternoon.The incidents occurred on the island's eastern shores on Kehena Beach at about 2:15 p.m. when the surf was high.
By the time the firefighters arrived on the initial call, they were told the first near-drowning victim had left the scene. While there, however, firefighters noticed another swimmer in distress being assisted by boogie boarders.
A C-1 helicopter was still in the area because of the initial call and dropped one rescue swimmer into the ocean. The rescueman was able to put the victim in a Billy Pugh net so he could be pulled to shore.
The victim was then transported to the Hilo Medical Center's emergency room.
