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Missing Maui woman at a Kihei beach found safe

A Maui woman who had been reported missing after she was last seen at a Kihei beach has been found safe.

Rescuers had launched a search of the waters off of Kihei Thursday night after Emily Walton was reported missing off Cove Beach Park by her boyfriend. He reported leaving the beach and returning around 9 p.m., when he couldn’t find Walton. He called 911 and reported her missing after finding some of her belongings still on the beach.

Walton called the Coast Guard command center Friday afternoon to report she was safely on land, officials said. Maui police officers made contact with her and verified her identity and safety.

The Coast Guard had deployed its 45-foot response boat Thursday night to search for Walton. A helicopter aircrew continued search efforts Friday.

“We were not certain she was in the water, but there was a strong possibility and we take every case seriously,” Petty Officer 1st Class William Cusic said in a news release. “We recommend all (water) users leave word with family or friends of their plans including their intended return.”

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