Fire rescue crews were called to Molokai's Haleolono Harbor on Sunday morning after several canoes had been swamped before the start of the annual Na Wahine O Ke Kai Molokai to Oahu canoe race.
Six firefighters and two fire rescue personal watercraft arrived on the scene shortly before 9 a.m. and found 10 canoes swamped, according to Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.
A 30-year-old Kailua, Oahu, woman from the Kailua Canoe Club was injured after a large wave swamped the club's canoe, Mainaga said. She complained of shoulder and rib pain and was taken by ambulance to Molokai General Hospital.
No other injuries were reported.
All but one of the 10 canoes went on to the start the race, Mainaga said. One canoe was damaged and had to be towed to shore.
A high-surf advisory was in effect Sunday for all north-facing shores of Maui and Molokai. Haleolono Harbor is on the west side of Molokai.
