Hawaii County Fire department rescued an opihi picker Tuesday afternoon north of Haena Beach.
Hawaii County Fire department rescued an opihi picker Tuesday afternoon north of Ha‘ena Beach.
Responding to a 4 p.m. call rescue personnel found a 32 year-old male was swept off a cliffside by a large wave while picking opihi fronting Shipman Estates property.
High surf warning was in effect for parts of the Big Island at the time of the incident.
Chopper 1 was first on scene and was able to locate the man in the water. A rescue swimmer entered the water from Chopper 1 and was able to retrieve him utilizing a rescue net and bring him to land.
The opihi picker sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment.
HFD reminds the public to be aware of weather and surf conditions and heed warnings for their own safety.
