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Maui firefighters, Ocean Safety and the Coast Guard responded this afternoon to a pair of kayakers whose kayaks overturned 600 yards offshore and who lost their paddles in waters off North Kihei.
The Maui Fire Department said the two kayakers — a man and woman, both 28, from Wailuku — had been out fishing together when the wind picked up and they lost their paddles, took on water and their kayaks flipped over.
A fire crew and rescue watercraft operator were sent to the area off Kealia Boardwalk. A Coast Guard crew was dispatched from Maalaea Harbor, and a rescue company from Kahului stood by.
The fire crew spotted the two kayaks, which had begun to drift south as the two clung for safety.
Winds were up at 10 mph to 15 mph and ocean conditions were choppy, which slowed the rescue watercraft.
The Coast Guard arrived first and loaded them and their kayaks aboard their vessel.
The Coast Guard got the parties close to shore where their vehicle was parked, and fire and Ocean Safety personnel assisted in getting them safely to shore.
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