A joint search and rescue exercise recently took place near Kapalua, Maui. The US Coast Guard, Maui County Fire Department, Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services, Maui County Emergency Medical Services, American Medical Response and Maui County Police Department all participated in the mock operation.
The two-day event featured a planning, safety and communication meeting, a resource open house and a full-scale open-water exercise that simulated a report of an overdue recreational vessel with two people in the water a mile offshore.
“The robust participation from our Maui partners and Coast Guard units made this exercise not only possible, but an overwhelming success,” said Cmdr. Nicholas Worst, chief of response, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “The collaboration and already strong working relationships were enhanced through the sharing of best practices to ensure real world events are well coordinated to promote responder safety and increase the probability of success while searching for those in distress.”
