The Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD) successfully rescued nine spearfishermen who were reported overdue at Honoli‘i Beach Park on Friday, January 24, 2025. The group, last seen by lifeguards around 3:00 p.m., had entered the ocean earlier in the day but failed to return as expected.

Lifeguards on duty initially made contact with the group to warn them of ocean conditions, but after about an hour, they went to investigate further. During their search on a paddleboard, the lifeguards found a buoy with a fish and spear attached, but were unable to locate any of the divers. Concerned for the safety of the group, additional resources were requested, prompting the response of HFD personnel, including Company 1, Rescue Company 2, Battalion Chief 1, and Chopper 1.

Upon arrival, Company 1 personnel used binoculars to spot the divers north of Honoli‘i Point. Chopper 1 was directed to the location, and rescue personnel were able to safely extract all nine divers using a billy pugh net. They were flown back to Honoli‘i Beach, where Company 1 personnel helped secure a landing zone and assist in moving the group to safety.

Once on land, the divers were assessed by emergency responders and found to be in good health, with no medical attention required. The rescue operation concluded at approximately 4:23 p.m.

One of the divers, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their experience: “I was one of the boys, and we were all good in the water. We just lost our buoys and had some miscommunication with the lifeguards. We were all fine and swimming our way back. The firefighters decided to give us a ride back to make things easier. Thank you to the fire department.”

VC: @marthadontgiveagram