MEDIA RELEASE

Fire/rescue crews responded to a 6:51 p.m. alarm for an overturned outrigger canoe 200 yards off Honolii Point. A rescue boat and Chopper One were dispatched to the scene of the swamped canoe. Fire/rescue crews on shore spotted the canoe with six paddlers in the surging ocean conditions.

The Keaukaha Canoe Club paddlers were assisted into the rescue boat which towed the canoe back to shore at Hilo Bayfront. There were no injuries during the event.

The Hawaiian islands were under a high surf advisory by the National Weather Service until 6 p.m. for south facing shores.