Rescue Underway for Mariner in Waters off Hilo

File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Crews from the Coast Guard in Hawai’i are coordinating the rescue of a mariner in distress about 287 miles northeast of Hilo.

The report was received via email from a ham radio operator advising that a mariner aboard the Australian-flagged sailing vessel, the Q-Wave was in need of assistance.  According to the communication, the mariner had less than a liter of water, no food, had lost its dingy, and had a tear in its mainsail.

A Coast Guard aircrew piloting an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu, was dispatched and was able to locate the disabled vessel.

Coast Guard crews dropped emergency supplies that included food, water, and a VHF radio to the disabled boat.

Authorities say a Good Samaritan vessel in the area overheard communications regarding the disabled boat, and responded on the water to escort the vessel to Hilo.

As a reminder to mariners, the Coast Guard recommends that provisions aboard a vessel include safety and communication equipment.