HONOLULU — The Coast Guard and Marine Corps Waterfront Operations rescued four people from a 38-foot sailing vessel that ran aground near Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Tuesday.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point lowered a rescue swimmer to assist each person to swim to a Waterfront Operations boatcrew from Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received a call at 11:15 p.m., Monday, from the operator of the Gypsy Runner stating the vessel was aground on the reef after losing power and was in danger of capsizing due to the low tide.
Sector Honolulu watchstanders notified Waterfront Operations personnel and launched the Dolphin aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point at 12:38 a.m., Tuesday.
The crews arrived on scene at 1 a.m., and Waterfront Operations personnel brought all four boaters safely to He'eia Kea Boat Harbor. No injuries among the boaters or pollution from the vessel were reported.
The master of the Gypsy Runner will work with the Coast Guard to address salvage of the vessel.
In addition to providing 24-hour security for base and a waterborne search and rescue capability, MCB Hawaii Waterfront Operations personnel also conduct mission and training support for the many Marine, Navy, and Coast Guard units in Hawaii. They also provide MCB Hawaii with a readily accessible Environmental Response Team in case of an oil spill in Kaneohe Bay.