SAREX search and rescue exercise held

The 2024 SAREX search and rescue exercise was held this morning at the Kihei Boat Ramp and the nearshore and offshore areas of South Maui.
Personnel from Maui Fire Department, our Ocean Safety Bureau, Maui Police Department, American Medical Response/Maui County EMS, United States Coast Guard and the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources all participated in the exercise. This gave them the opportunity to engage in search and rescue operations, conduct inter-agency communications, command and coordination. These skills are needed in a large scale search.
The evolving scenario began with a submerged swimmer and an overdue (later determined to have capsized and sunk) recreational boat with victims in the water.