Coast Guard, good Samaritans rescue three people in distress from ocean near Honolulu airport

The Coast Guard and good Samaritans rescued three men from the water approximately 2 miles south of the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu Monday.  

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders received notification at 5:30 p.m. over VHF-FM channel 16 of three distressed people in the water. Two passengers aboard the French-flagged Spirit of Pontapreta, a 42-foot sailing vessel, had reportedly been swept away while swimming near the vessel. The vessel’s operator jumped in to assist them but was also swept away. 

On-scene conditions were 20-mph winds and 3-foot seas.  

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB) and directed the launch of a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu to assist.  

The good Samaritan vessel Honu Lani responded to the UMIB and rescued the three people from the water. The RB-M crew rendezvoused with the Honu Lani, took aboard the boaters and transferred them back to the Spirit of Pontapreta.  

The operator of the Spirit of Pontapreta then transited safely back to Rainbow Bay Marina. 

“We recommend all boaters actively monitor channel 16 while underway,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Alexander Hoek, watchstander, Sector Honolulu command center. “Closely following broadcasts increases your awareness of nearby emergencies. We would like to thank the Honu Lani crew for their selfless actions rescuing three people in need.”