Search continues for wildfire victims in waters off Lahaina
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The Maui News
First responders are continuing the search for victims in the waters off Lahaina after a fire destroyed much of the town and claimed at least 115 lives.
Underwater search efforts for human remains began Saturday and continued Wednesday in the nearshore waters near the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor and along the Front Street breakwater, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
A team of 40 from the Maui Fire Department and Ocean Safety used personal watercraft to conduct grid searches by firefighters using snorkel gear, instead of the dry suits and fully encapsulated face masks used last weekend by rescue and dive crews.
The search area stretches 4 miles, from Puamana Beach Park on the south end of Lahaina to Waihikuli Wayside Park on the north. DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement is providing on-water support.
"We're going though this sizable area with a fine-toothed comb," Maui Fire Department Captain Peter Vanderpoel said. "Even with a crew this size, I have no doubt this is going to be a multi-day operation."
"We do know that people went into the water here, so we're taking a much more forensic approach to the search here because there's a high probability that we will find items in this area," Vanderpoel added. "We're going through a fine-toothed comb in this area. Other areas outside of here a little bit more of a broad search. We're really being meticulous in the area along Front Street."
Firefighters and first responders have been working nearly non-stop for more than two weeks. Some lost their homes in the Aug. 8 fire.
"Right now, I think overall we're holding up very well," Vanderpoel said. "Everybody is still in the fight mode. There's work to be done. We're here to stay with it and work until duty does not require us to work anymore. Overall, spirits are high. Even the guys who lost their homes are here."