A group of surfers, lifeguards and other concerned people recently gathered around the US Pro Surfer Makai McNamara after he was knocked unconscious. McNamara was wiped out by a massive wave at the Banzai pipeline in Hawaii, which is largely considered one of the world’s most dangerous surf breaks.
According to Iceland News, McNamara was a frequent Banzai pipeline visitors and was hit by the big wave this last Sunday. The aforementioned group of respondents helped McNamara reach security on the coast.
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Hawaiian Pro Surfer Makai McNamara is wiped out when he runs a wave at the pipeline on the northern shore of Oahu, Hawaii on February 14, 2021. (Brian Bielmann/AFP via Getty Images)
Eli Olson, who also surfers professionally and is described as a friend of McNamara, said the test was a “freak -accident.”
“It was just a bad wave, a kind of freak accident, and he first went into the reef,” Olson told Island News. He also described McNamara as “one of the best [surfers] out there. “
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Olson estimated that McNamara was under water for two minutes before anyone was able to reach him. He also noted that respondents tried “CPR Compressations” during the rescue.
“He was under water for almost two minutes before I got to him. First thing, I just wanted to hold his head over the water so he didn’t take in more water,” Olson said. “I gave him a couple [of] breath. Try to give him a few [of] Compressions. “
He added, “We are struck by waves out here. We are kind of recycled in the waves, and then we got him first in life, did another round of HLR Compresses and he began to cough up water.”
Makai McNamara from Hawaii is preparing for his round 2 -heat on the Hawaiian Pro 2019 in Haleiwa on November 17, 2019 in HI, USA. (Tony Heff/WSL via Getty Images)
McNamara was able to eventually regain consciousness when he was “brought him back to life on the sand,” Surfer reported. McNamara was later transported to a local hospital where medical staff placed him in an induced coma for three days.
McNamara’s father Liam delivered an update on his son’s status 24 hours after the upside incident.
“It has passed 24 hours since the incident, and he is on his way to recovery,” he said in a video that was sent to Instagram. “He feels your energy. He feels your love. He feels your positive vibes and we value every one of you for your support.”
The American surfer Makai McNamara runs a wave at the Banzai pipeline in Haleiwa, Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, November 25, 2023. (Brian Bielmann/AFP via Getty Images)
“I thank lifeguards and everyone who helped, so many people. Many thanks for helping to save my son,” Liam continued.
“For the next two days he will be here in the hospital and we just need the continued prayers and positive energy,” he added. “Makai is a strong young man and he will get through this.”
Meanwhile, Olson described the rescue as a “team effort” and expressed his hopes that McNamara is doing a “full recovery.”
“All that matters is Makai that makes a full recovery and we can laugh and share waves with him soon,” noted Olson via Instagram stories.
