Coast Guard Rescues 2 Men Offshore Molokai

A Coast Guard helicopter crew is seen here rescuing one of the fishermen whose vessel sank two miles off the coast of Molokai Dec. 17. Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard

By The Molokai Dispatch staff

Two fishermen were rescued by the United States Coast Guard after their fishing vessel began taking on water a couple miles offshore Molokai last week. Officials praised the men for quickly activating an emergency beacon that allowed the Coast Guard for a rapid, precise response.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu located the men in a life raft, safely hoisted them, and brought them ashore to the air station in Kapolei, Oahu on Dec. 17, according to a Coast Guard news release.

A video published on the Coast Guard’s website shows the two men being lifted on a basket to the helicopter, one at a time, while a rescuer assists them from the water. Both men were wearing lifejackets during the rescue.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center watchstanders received a mayday call on VHF-FM channel 16 at 1:50 p.m. from the captain of the Holokai, a 42-foot commercial fishing vessel, stating the boat was taking on water two miles south of Molokai. Both men were wearing lifejackets and preparing to abandon ship, according to the Coast Guard.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of the helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu.

Meanwhile, the Maui County Fire Department launched Engine 4 and a rescue boat crew in response to the mayday call.

At 2:22 p.m., Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstanders received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon alert from the life raft, which allowed watchstanders to pinpoint the mariners’ location.

“Preparedness can significantly reduce the risks when something goes wrong on the water,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley Barrios, communications unit watchstander, Sector Honolulu. “The quick activation of a registered EPIRB was instrumental in this case. The EPIRB’s technology provided our command center with a precise location and our helicopter crew with a signal they could follow directly to the scene, allowing for a rapid and targeted response. The mariners’ preparation and actions directly contributed to this safe, successful rescue.” 

There were reportedly approximately 1,500 gallons of diesel, one marine battery and two smaller car batteries on board the Holokai, which was still afloat when last seen by the men. The vessel’s owner will arrange for its salvage, according to the Coast Guard.