8 People Rescued After Vessel Sinks in Kaiwi Channel

The Coast Guard rescued eight people after their vessel sank near Kaiwi Channel, Molokai, Aug. 3, 2014. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point hoisted the persons from the water and transported them to Sandy Beach Park where members from the Honolulu Fire Department were waiting. (US Coast Guard photo)

By Maui Now Staff

The Coast Guard rescued eight people after their vessel sank in the Kaiwi Channel between Oʻahu and Molokaʻi on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014.

Coast Guard officials say crews responded when they received an unregistered signal for persons in distress approximately 12 miles west of Molokaʻi.

Shortly after, a man called the coastguard reporting that his son and seven others were in distress in the vicinity of the signal.

Coast Guard officials say the man confirmed that the 21-foot recreational vessel had sunk and that those aboard were clinging to three kayaks that they tied together.

The Coast Guard rescued eight people after their vessel sank near Kaiwi Channel, Molokai, Aug. 3, 2014. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point hoisted the persons from the water and transported them to Sandy Beach Park where members from the Honolulu Fire Department were waiting. (US Coast Guard photo)

Rescue crews hoisted the distressed boaters aboard a helicopter and transported them to Sandy Beach Park on Oʻahu.

All were wearing life jackets, and no injuries were reported.