Coast Guard, Navy Rescue 2 Overdue Mariners Off Kīlauea Shores

Two mariners were rescued off the shores of Kīlauea early Friday morning after they were reported missing the previous evening.

The mariners, who were aboard a 14-foot recreational vessel, were first reported overdue at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, to the US Coast Guard’s Sector Honolulu Watchstanders.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast to local boaters, launched an Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew and a Station Kauai Response Boat-Medium crew.

A Navy MH-60 Seahawk aircrew joined the search after midnight and began conducting searches closer to shore. The MH-60 aircrew located the two mariners at the base of a cliff on the shoreline just east of Kilauea lighthouse and hoisted them to safety.

A Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 MH-60 Seahawk aircrew transported the mariners to Lihue airport where they were met by EMS.

They were reported to be in stable condition.

“This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships with our fellow armed services,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Sabrina Slack, a Sector Honolulu watchstander. “Through coordination with the Navy, we were able to successfully rescue two members of our Hawaii community.”