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A Maui Fire Department rescue helicopter plucked two brothers off a ridge this morning. The brothers, ages 17 and 27, spent the night in the mountains after firefighters determined it would be too dangerous to rescue them off the “Commando Trail” at night.
The pair, both Maui residents, were reported missing at about 9:30 p.m. after failing to return home.
Fire rescue crews arrived on scene at about 10 p.m. and made voice contact with the brothers at about midnight.
Firefighters determined they were on what was believed to be an inaccessible ridge. Wet conditions, steep terrain and darkness made the search too difficult and dangerous to continue, Maui Fire Department spokesman Lee Mainaga said.
Firefighters advised the brothers to seek shelter and stay in place until daylight.
Fire rescuers took them off the ridge at about 7:20 a.m. They did not require medical attention.
The Commando Trail, above Kailua, Maui is along the Hana Highway in east Maui.
