The Coast Guard rescued one man after his boat sank offshore Molokaʻi yesterday.
Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders heard two mayday calls on VHF-FM channel 16 from a man stating his boat was taking on water offshore Ilio Point, Molokai. The call did not include the number of people aboard or the vessel’s description.
Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu, and the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry.
Maui Fire Department helicopter, jet ski and engine crews also responded to the mayday calls.
The Coast Guard helicopter crew searched the eastern side of the Kaiwi Channel offshore Ilio Point without sighting anyone in distress. An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew and second MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew then joined the search. At 9:37 a.m., the second Coast Guard helicopter crew located a person in the water approximately 2 miles southwest of Ilio Point.
The helicopter crew deployed a rescue swimmer and hoisted the man, who was clinging to a bait box. The 59-year-old man confirmed that he had made the mayday calls and had been the only person aboard the 29-foot boat Hana Hou, which sank after taking on water in the Kaiwi Channel.
The crew transported him to the air station for an evaluation by emergency medical services personnel. No injuries were reported.
