Rough ocean conditions on Oahu’s North Shore led to the tragedy on Monday, where three tourists were washed off the beach and into the sea. According to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, this incident resulted in one fatality and two hospitalizations.

Just after 8 a.m., a 911 call was made regarding two women, aged 72 and 31, and a 63-year-old man who were pulled into the ocean at Keiki Beach. This beach is known for its strong shoreline currents and does not have a lifeguard tower, as reported by a spokesperson from the Honolulu Emergency Services Department to YSL News.

On that day, a high surf advisory was in effect for the North Shore, with wave heights ranging from six to eight feet, and potentially rising to 18 feet. There were signs warning of dangerous currents and strong shorebreaks at the beach. Oahu’s North Shore is well-known for its large and often unpredictable waves during the winter season, attracting surfers and visitors globally.

A lifeguard who was putting up “no swimming” signs noticed individuals struggling in the water. He quickly swam out with the help of others to rescue the tourists, managing to bring them back to safety on a rescue board.

The man and one of the women were found unresponsive, prompting immediate CPR and advanced life support measures from emergency responders. Both women, who were visiting from Oklahoma, were taken to the hospital; one remained in critical condition while the other was awake but serious.

The man, who was visiting from California, could not be revived and was declared dead at the scene.

The nearest lifeguard station is a half-mile away from Keiki Beach, yet lifeguards regularly monitor the area.

Every year, on average, 40 drownings occur along Oahu’s 227 miles of coastline, as stated by Honolulu Civil Beat. In 2022, the Honolulu Ocean Safety recorded 15 drownings and 6,180 rescues across the island.