By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Fire/rescue crews responded to a 3:28 p.m. alarm Sunday (March 11) to Orr’s Beach in Puna for swimmers in distress.

Crews found a married couple, a 63 year-old woman and 74 year-old man who had been swimming in a tidepool when they struck by a large wave. Both suffered injuries but were able to get out of the water on thier own.

The couple was airlifted by Chopper One to Papio Park and taken by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center.

The National Weather Service has a high surf advisory in effect for East facing shore of the Big Island until 6 p.m. Monday (March 12).