Two dead and one seriously injured after surfing incident on Hawaiian beach

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Luxury beachfront homes line Keiki Beach, also called Queens Bath on January 14, 2024 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

HALEIWA, Hawaii – Two people lost their lives and one was injured after being swept away by the waves, according to Hawaii authorities.

Honolulu Ocean Safety said earlier this week that first responders received a call about three people who had been swept into the ocean by waves at Ke Iki Beach.

A lifeguard heard people screaming and saw them in trouble.

Other lifeguards helped and swam into the ocean and brought the group to shore.

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A 72-year-old woman was transported to a hospital in critical condition. According to KHNL, she later died.

A 41-year-old woman was alert and transported to a local emergency room.

A 63-year-old man, who was visiting from California, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to authorities, there is no lifeguard tower at Ke Iki beach, but they patrol the area via jet ski and quad bikes.

They also said there were strong currents and dangerous shore break signs posted at the time of the incident, and that the nearest lifeguard tower is about a half-mile offshore at Rock Piles.