Editor's note: For video of the rescue, click on the thumbnail above.
HONOLULU — Coast Guard rescues five after sailboat becomes disabled near Laie, Oahu, Tuesday.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point rescued a 72-year-old male and four Coast Guard personnel aboard a disabled 45-foot Response Boat-Medium Tuesday morning.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received notification at 9:49 p.m. Monday from a distressed mariner aboard 55-foot sailing vessel Doubloon reporting his boat 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.
On-scene weather conditions were 10-foot seas, 35 mph winds.
While attempting to take the sailboat in tow, the RB-M became disabled and adrift in the surf zone. The RB-M crew deployed their anchor and requested assistance.
The crew engaged their emergency position-indicating radio beacon. All were wearing life jackets.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and HC-130 Hercules airplane crew 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 survivors from the RB-M. All are reportedly in good condition.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
The Coast Guard encourages all mariners to ensure they have the proper emergency equipment aboard prior to any departure. Emergencies are unexpected and occur to even the most experienced mariners. Having life-saving equipment like life jackets, flares and an EPIRB can make a critical difference in reducing risk should the unexpected occur.
For more information, contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at (808) 535-3230.