HONOLULU — The Coast Guard rescued two boaters in distress five miles west of Makaha Beach, Tuesday.
A Coast Guard Auxiliary boatcrew towed the disabled 30-foot sailing vessel to Ko'Olina Marina in Kapolei with a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew escorting. Upon reaching the harbor the crews conducted a post search and rescue boarding, discovered one of the boaters had outstanding warrants and transferred him into the custody of Honolulu police.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received a relay call from 911 dispatch at 10:32 a.m., stating a boater was in need of assistance after going in the water and not being able to get back into his vessel. Dispatch personnel and Coast Guard Watchstanders attempted to get back in touch with the boater but were unsuccessful.
Sector Honolulu watchstanders directed the launch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, the RB-M crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu and the Coast Guard Auxiliary boatcrew.
Upon arrival at 11:23 a.m., the Dolphin crew lowered a rescue swimmer to the vessel and discovered not only that the vessel's outboard engine was unreliable, but that the vessel operator had suffered a leg injury and was in need of medical attention. Due to his condition, the rescue swimmer remained aboard to provide immediate medical care.
The Auxiliary boatcrew arrived, took the vessel in a side tow and transported the vessel and the two boaters safely to Ko'Olina Marina.
During the routine post search and rescue boarding of the vessel, the RB-M crew discovered safety violations aboard the vessel including a lack of boater registration, life jackets and rescue pyrotechnics also known as flares.
They also discovered one of the men, the injured operator, had outstanding warrants in another state and immediately contacted authorities at the Honolulu Police Department. The RB-M crew remained with the boaters until police took the man into custody.
The Coast Guard works closely with all state and federal law enforcement partners on a regular basis. These strong relationships ensure quick and efficient response and increase the safety of response crews and the public in emergency situations.
There is no imagery from this case. Questions regarding the status of the boater taken into custody or warrants should be directed to the Honolulu Police Department at 808-529-3111.