HILO, Hawaii: Fire crews report a near drowning on the Wailuku River on Saturday, as the victim is in critical condition.

A witness says a 23 year old man was submerged for  2 minutes in the Wailuku River, about a half mile above the famous Rainbow Falls in Hilo.

Fire officials say CPR on the man was initiated by bystanders. Since the victim was inaccessible by ground, a Hawaii County Fire Department helicopter extricated the male via Billy Pugh net, and flew him to the Hilo Medical Center Heli Pad. Once there, he was transferred to an awaiting medic unit, then transported to Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room.

The patient was in critical condition, and he was treated enroute.