Honolulu firefighter critically injured in training accident Tuesday, June 14th 2016, 5:55 pm EDTWednesday, June 15th 2016, 3:40 pm EDT
By HNN Staff
By Chelsea Davis, Reporter
(image: Facebook/Cliff Rigsbee)
(Image: Hawaii News Now)
(Image: Hawaii News Now)
(Image: Hawaii News Now)
(Image: Hawaii News Now) HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A firefighter was critically injured Tuesday in a rough water training accident off Diamond Head. A second firefighter was taken to the hospital for evaluation, and was subsequently released. The two were apparently training on Jet Skis in rough surf and police sources say they were knocked down by a large wave. Cliff Rigsbee, 63, was knocked off his feet and became unconscious, officials confirm.
Friends of Rigsbee are shocked that the veteran fireman and accomplished athlete ran into trouble at the surf break known as "Suicides." They say Rigsbee is a nationally-ranked triathlete who is now a triathlon coach and a firefighter engineer.
A HFD spokesman said the accident happened about 10:45 a.m.
"We have great concern for both of those involved," said Fire Capt. David Jenkins. "There is an inherent danger in firefighting. Although, we do take all appropriate, necessary precautions to keep ourselves safe."
The two were from the Waikiki fire station.
"On behalf of the members of the Honolulu Fire Department, our thoughts and prayers are with the injured firefighter," said Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves, in a news release.
Witnesses said they spotted the firefighters struggling in the waves, but weren't sure what happened.
"One of the other surfers started paddling over cause the guy had his face down the water. He was looking kind of limp," said witness Drew Farwell.
"All of a sudden you see the helicopter coming around and all the fire trucks coming in so it looked heavy. Everyone in the line up right now kinda spooked," he said.
"I saw a jet ski floating around and I saw a couple people in the water and the guy waved to me so I just started paddling over there...he was kind of in pain like shouting," said Matt Batchelder.
Neves said in a news conference Wednesday that Rigsbee was on the sled as an attendant. That's when the operator looked back and noticed Rigsbee was unconscious in the water.
As of Wednesday morning, Rigsbee remained in critical condition, Neves added.
The Honolulu Fire Department is continuing to investigate and will provide more information as soon as it becomes available. This story will be updated