Mayday Call Leads to Rescue of 5 People From Sinking Vessel

Five people are safe after being rescued by the Coast Guard off their 50-foot sailing vessel in the Kaiwi Channel between Oʻahu and Molokaʻi, Friday.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point hoisted three children first and then went back and hoisted the two adults bringing all five people safely back to the air station.

A C-130 Hercules airplane crew and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Base Honolulu also launched and reported on scene.

“We are incredibly proud of all the crews involved and for their quick response time and successful outcome,” said Lt. Nicholas Spence, a command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Our crews are always ready to respond and I’m glad we could demonstrate that once again.”

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received notification from the operator of the vessel at 12:45 p.m., that they were in distress and taking on water with three children and two adults on board.

The vessel remains adrift with an attached strobe light. The owner will work with Sector Honolulu personnel to develop a salvage plan.

All personnel were wearing their life jackets and no injuries were reported.

Weather on scene was reported 25 mph winds and seas 6 to 8 feet.

Five people are safe after being rescued by the Coast Guard off their 50-foot sailing vessel in the Kaiwi Channel between Oahu and Molokai, June 2, 2017. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point hoisted three children first and then went back and hoisted the two adults bringing all five people safely back to the air station. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo/Released)

Five people are safe after being rescued by the Coast Guard off their 50-foot sailing vessel in the Kaiwi Channel between Oahu and Molokai, June 2, 2017. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point hoisted three children first and then went back and hoisted the two adults bringing all five people safely back to the air station. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo/Released)

Five people are safe after being rescued by the Coast Guard off their 50-foot sailing vessel in the Kaiwi Channel between Oahu and Molokai, Friday. PC: Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Levasseur/U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific