Makai McNamara Rescued After Near-Fatal Surfing Incident at Pipeline

PUPUKEA, Hawaii (Island News) — A dramatic rescue unfolded Sunday at the Banzai Pipeline, where professional surfer Makai McNamara suffered a serious injury after wiping out on a massive wave. The incident occurred when McNamara, 29, who is well-known in the surfing community, went head first into the reef, knocking him unconscious.

‘Makai is actually one of the best out there; he’s so talented,’ said Eli Olson, a fellow pro-surfer and close friend, who reached McNamara in the water. ‘But it was just a bad wave, kind of a freak accident.’

Witnesses reported that McNamara was submerged underwater for nearly two minutes before Olson and lifeguards reached him. ‘First thing, I just wanted to keep his head above water so he didn’t take more water in,’ Olson recalled. ‘I gave him a couple of breaths and tried to give him a couple of compressions.’

Emergency responders acted quickly, and Ocean Safety personnel performed CPR and utilized an automated external defibrillator to revive him. Olson described the chaotic scene: ‘We’re getting hit by waves out here. We’re recycling in the waves, and then we got him in alive first, did another round of CPR compressions, and he started coughing up water.’

After regaining consciousness, McNamara was transported to a local hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma for 72 hours to assist in his recovery. ‘It’s been 24 hours since the incident, and he’s on his road to recovery,’ said Liam McNamara, Makai’s father. ‘He feels your energy, he feels your love, he feels your positive vibes and we appreciate your support.’

Liam thanked the lifeguards and others involved in the rescue for their swift action. ‘Thank you so much for helping save my son,’ he added. ‘Makai’s a strong young man and he’s going to get through this.’

McNamara’s routine at the Pipeline is often marked by its high-risk waves, which can average over nine feet and reach heights of more than twenty feet. The area is notorious for its dangerous conditions, which has led to tragic incidents in the past.

Olson said the rescue was a team effort, emphasizing the community’s support for McNamara. ‘All that matters is Makai makes a full recovery, and we can laugh and share waves with him soon,’ he said.

Known for his competitive skills, McNamara has participated in several prestigious surfing events, including the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau invite-only contest. He is also the older brother of Landon McNamara, a fellow pro surfer who was recently crowned the winner of ‘The Eddie’ surf contest.

As the surfing community waits for updates, the McNamara family asks for privacy regarding any video footage of the incident, noting that it has added stress during this challenging time.