US Coast Guard rescue 1 aboard a vessel taking on water off Kaua‘i

The Coast Guard assisted one man aboard a vessel taking on water near Kaua‘i Tuesday.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders received a phone call at 2:40 a.m. from the wife of a boater stating the recreational fishing vessel Aikane-49 was disabled and adrift off Pakala Beach.

Sector Honolulu watchstanders requested a marina check by Kaua‘i Police Department personnel, directed the launch of Coast Guard Station Kaua‘i 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, and directed the launch of an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.

The airplane crew arrived on scene and observed the activation of a maritime flare from the vessel at 5:12 a.m. The RB-M arrived on scene and reported approximately 100 gallons of water on board with active flooding of approximately one gallon per minute.

“Distress signals like flares are a vital tool to have on your vessel,” said Mike Mullins, operations controller, Sector Honolulu command center. “In emergency situations, they can help first responders quickly locate and assist those in distress.”

Station Kaua‘i boat crew towed the Aikane-49 to Port Allen Harbor where they helped the boater control the leak.

Once moored, the operator of the vessel reported there was a second individual who swam to shore once the vessel became disabled. The RB-M crew confirmed that the second individual had arrived safely at Port Allen Harbor.