U.S. Coast Guard rescues 2 men from life raft near Molokaʻi after vessel begins taking on water

U.S. Coast Guard rescued two men after a fishing vessel began taking on water Wednesday (Dec. 17) offshore from Molokaʻi.

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

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center watchstanders received a mayday call at 1:50 p.m. Wednesday on VHF-FM Channel 16 from the captain of the 42-foot commercial fishing vessel Holokai stating the boat was taking on water 2 miles south of Molokaʻi.

Both men were wearing life jackets and preparing to abandon ship.

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.

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

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

“Preparedness can significantly reduce the risks when something goes wrong on the water,” said U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Communications Unit Watchstander Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley Barrios in a release about the rescue. “The quick activation of a registered [emergency position-indicating radio beacon] was instrumental in this case.”

Barrios said the emergency position-indicating radio beacon’s technology provided the Coast Guard command center with a precise location and the 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,” Barrios added.

There are reportedly about 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.