VIDEO: Disabled Sailing Vessel Towed to Lahaina Harbor

By Wendy Osher

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DmEUTX-1WU /] Crews from the U.S. Coast Guard towed a disabled vessel to Lahaina Harbor over the weekend, after it lost steering on Friday. The 46-foot sailing vessel was en route from Marina del Rey in Los Angeles, CA to Ko Olina pier on Oahu when it encountered difficulties about 118 miles northeast of Maui.

Coast Guard Crews from Hawai’i say the three males and one female aboard were in good condition.

The stranded mariners were able to make contact for help using a satellite phone. Coast Guard officials say it’s a good example of why mariners should maintain functioning communications equipment aboard their vessel.

“We also encourage mariners to file a float plan with a responsible friend or family member or a person who will follow-up if they don’t check in or return as planned. The plan should include details of where they are going with the route clearly identified, how long they’ll be out and when they plan on returning,” said Lt. Walner W. Alvarez, Sector Honolulu command duty officer.

The 46-foot Eleu was towed to Lahaina Harbor over the weekend. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Kittiwake from Air Station Barbers Point on O’ahu, towed the white vessel, Eleu, to Maui on Saturday.