Seven Mariners Rescued From Sinking Vessel off Oahu

Photo courtesy US Coast Guard Hawai’i.

By Wendy Osher

Seven mariners, whose sailing vessel sank in waters off Oahu were rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter and small boat crews early this morning.

The rescue took place at around 3:45 a.m. about 29 miles off the coast of Kaena Point, authorities said.

The 30-foot sailing vessel Cowabunga issued a distress signal when the operator reported the boat started taking on water during their transit to Oahu after a weekend sailing race to Kauai.

All seven individuals aboard were experienced mariners, wearing lifejackets and had abandoned ship at approximately 1:30 a.m.

According to coast guard officials, a Dolphin aircrew lowered a rescue swimmer with life raft and hoisted four of the mariners into the aircraft, at 1:50 a.m.

The four mariners were flown to Lihue Airport while the rescue swimmer and the three remaining crewmembers waited in the life raft for a motor life boat to arrive from Kauai.

The remaining individuals were taken aboard just before 3:45 a.m., and transported safely to Nawiliwili Harbor.

No injuries were reported.