U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued five people Tuesday morning after a sailboat became disabled near Laie, Oahu.
U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued five people Tuesday morning after a sailboat became disabled near Laie, Oahu.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received notification at 9:49 p.m. Monday from a distressed 72-year-old man aboard the 55-foot sailing vessel “Doubloon” that his boat was disabled near Laie. A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Honolulu launched at 10:45 p.m. The crew arrived on-scene at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday.
While attempting to take the sailboat in tow, the RB-M became disabled and adrift in the surf zone. The RB-M crew deployed the boat’s anchor, requested assistance and engaged an emergency position-indicating radio beacon. All were wearing life jackets.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and HC-130 Hercules airplane crew were subsequently launched from Air Station Barbers Point. A rescue boat and helicopter from Honolulu Fire Department also launched to assist.
The Dolphin crew arrived on scene at 4:03 a.m. and successfully hoisted all five people, including the 72-year-old, to safety. All are reportedly in good condition.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.