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HONOLULU - The Coast Guard rescued an overdue stand up paddle boarder approximately three miles south of Ewa Beach, today.
Rescued was 32-year-old Niel Bode of Seattle.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point located him within their search pattern about 6:45 a.m., and deployed a rescue swimmer into the water.
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.
"The Coast Guard in conjunction with the Honolulu Fire Department did a great job with the total search effort in locating Mr. Bode," said Lt. Patrick Frain, a command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. "Once we received notification from the helicopter crew that he was spotted alive, there was immediate celebration in the command center. We notified his family on island right away to share the great news."
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.
For more information, contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at (808) 535-3230.