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HONOLULU — Three boaters are safe after their 15-foot recreational vessel capsized approximately one mile north of Turtle Bay, Oahu.
At approximately 10:29 a.m. watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received a mayday call via VHF Channel 16 from three men stating their vessel had capsized due to a rogue wave and that they were in need of immediate assistance.
Sector Honolulu issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to mariners and launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.
Sector Honolulu also notified the Honolulu Fire Department and they dispatched a jet ski crew from Honolulu Ocean Safety to the scene.
The Dolphin aircrew arrived on scene first, deployed a rescue swimmer, hoisted one of the men from the water and transported him to Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.
Honolulu Ocean Safety arrived on scene shortly after, safely recovered the remaining two survivors and transferred them to Turtle Bay Resort where local emergency medical services personnel were waiting to assist.
No injuries were reported.
Two of the three men were wearing life jackets.
The Coast Guard advises all mariners to ensure they have recommended safety equipment aboard to include a VHF marine radio, flares and life jackets. Wearing a life jacket greatly increases the chance of survival and it is recommended that it be worn at all times. Accidents can occur quickly and without waning to even the most experienced boaters, leaving little or no time to put on a life jacket.
The Coast Guard has issued a hazard to navigation notice to mariners for the adrift vessel.