Pro Surfer in Coma After ‘Freak Accident’: ‘Head First into Reef’

A professional surfer is in a coma after being wiped out at what is described as one of the most dangerous surf breaks in the world.

Local outlet Island News and industry publication Surfer reports that pro-surfer Makai McNamara was surfing at Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii — one of his usual spots — when he was knocked unconscious after being wiped out by a large wave on Sunday, Feb. 23.

Per the outlets, lifeguards, friends, and family swam toward McNamara in the ocean before bringing him to safety on the shore.

“It was just a bad wave, kind of a freak accident, and he went head first into the reef,” fellow pro-surfer Eli Olson and friend of McNamara, told Island News. He also noted that his friend is “so talented” and “one of the best [surfers] out there.”

Describing the events, Olson said his pal was underwater for almost two minutes before he could reach him. 

“First thing, I just wanted to like keep his head above water so he didn’t take more water in,” he recalled. “I gave him a couple [of] breaths. Try to give him a couple [of] compressions.”

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He added, “We’re getting hit by waves out here. We’re getting kind of recycled in the waves and then we got him in life first, did another round of CPR compressions, and he started coughing up water.”

After regaining consciousness, McNamara was taken to hospital and put in an induced coma for 72 hours.

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A day after the incident, McNamara’s father Liam took to Instagram to share an update on his son’s progress.

“It’s been 24 hours since the incident and he’s on his road to recovery,” he said. “He feels your energy, he feels your love, he feels your positive vibes and we appreciate each and every one of you for your support.”

Liam continued, “I thank the lifeguards and everybody who helped, so many people. Thank you so much for helping save my son.”

“The next two days he’ll be here in the hospital and we just need the continued prayers and positive energy,” he added. “Makai’s a strong young man and he’s going to get through this.”

On behalf of the family, Liam also shared a statement asking for video footage of his son’s rescue to not be shared online, revealing that it was “causing stress” to the family.

Meanwhile, Olson also shared an update via Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Feb. 26. “I’ve been getting a lot of love for helping my brother Makai,” he wrote, adding that though he was “really grateful,” the rescue was a “team effort.”

“All that matters is Makai makes a full recovery and we can laugh and share waves with him soon,” he concluded.