Hawaiian kayaker, 17, treads water for 12 hours before rescue

( NewsNation ) — A Hawaii teenage kayaker survived one night on the ocean after being separated from his high school paddling team near Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, the U.S. Coast Guard said this week.

NewsNation local affiliate KHON2 reports that the 17-year-old Kamehameha student was practicing with his kayaking team when he capsized. He was not wearing a life jacket.

Honolulu Fire Department personnel notified the Coast Guard at 7:27 p.m. Wednesday about the situation. Watchstanders with the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu then issued an urgent maritime information broadcast.

They launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter; HC-130 Hercules airplane crews and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew to search for the teen.

An airplane crew at 4:03 a.m. located the kayak, “with the teenager clinging onto it” Thursday. He had been treading water for nearly 12 hours, according to the Coast Guard. The crew deployed a flare to mark their position and directed a nearby “good Samaritan boater” to where they were, the Coast Guard said. That boater, who was an off-duty lifeguard with the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, rescued the boy from the water.

“I think he was in total shock because he wasn’t emotional at all. I was actually crying my guts off because he was okay,” the lifeguard, Noland Keaulana said, per KHON2. “He said I’m worried about my mom because she probably misses me.”

Keaulana took the teenager to Emergency Medical Services personnel at Ala Wai Harbor. The 17-year-old was treated for injuries and hypothermia and transported to an area emergency room. NewsNation affiliate KHON2 reports that he was treated for exhaustion, dehydration, and cold exposure.

“It was such a pleasure to call his mom, and she’s crying on the phone, and say, ‘Hey, we found him. He’s OK,’” USCG Lt. Commander Nick Iannarone said.

The parents of the kayaker said in a statement they want to thank the state, city, county, and federal agency rescue teams who saved their son.

“A very special mahalo to good samaritans, friends and family, and ESPECIALLY lifeguard and waterman Noland Keaulana who went out on his own to search for Kahiau all night, never giving up, using his instincts and knowledge of the ocean,” the parents said.

“(Our son), who could see rescue teams looking for him, was strong, resilient, and brave for 11.5 hours in the dark, and is grateful to be back with his family and friends. Mahalo to the doctors and nurses caring for him. And lastly, thank you to everyone who prayed and BELIEVED God for and with us for his safe return.”

NewsNation local affiliate KHON2 contributed to this report.

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