The U.S. Coast Guard rescued an overdue stand-up paddle boarder approximately 3 miles south of Ewa Beach, Oahu, on Thursday.
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued an overdue stand-up paddle boarder approximately 3 miles south of Ewa Beach, Oahu, on Thursday.
Niel Bode, 32, of Seattle, was located about 6:45 a.m. Thursday by an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point. A rescue swimmer was deployed into the water and Bode was safely hoisted into the helicopter and transferred back to the air station where local emergency medical services personnel were waiting to take him to the hospital.
He was reported to be in good condition. Bode had lost his paddle and could not make his way back to shore.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center received notification from the Honolulu Fire Department 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, reporting Bode had not returned after renting a stand up paddle board near the Waikiki Wall.
The paddle board company contacted HFD after Bode didn’t return by closing time at 5:15 p.m. He left behind his wallet, keys and cell phone.
The Coast Guard strongly recommends boaters and operators of any water craft carry personal emergency positioning indicating radio beacons and VHF marine radios when embarking in recreational water activities. Help first responders take the search out of search and rescue.