HONOLULU — A Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point MH-65E Dolphin aircrew rescue three fishermen from a sinking recreational vessel approximately 9 nautical miles south of Honolulu Harbor. Thursday, September 19, 2024.
«We are grateful that we were able to get on scene quickly and safely recover the three individuals before the situation became more dire,» said Cmdr. Kristin Hahn, the search and rescue mission coordinator. «This case highlights the importance of having the right emergency equipment aboard and the critical role of partnerships with local agencies like the Honolulu Fire Department.”
At 10:37 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a notification from Honolulu Fire Department personnel that the 25-foot recreational vessel, Ichiban, was taking on water with three people aboard. U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders immediately initiated response efforts.
Crews aboard a Coast Guard MH-65E Dolphin Short-Range Recovery Helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Honolulu launched to the scene. Upon arrival, the MH-65 Dolphin aircrew deployed the rescue swimmer to assess the situation and the rate of flooding. The vessel was quickly sinking, and the rescue swimmer determined the safest course of action was to hoist all occupants from the vessel.
Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received notification from Honolulu Fire Department that 25-foot fishing vessel, Ichiban, was taking on water nine miles offshore of Honolulu Harbor.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
U.S. Coast Guard Hawaii Pacific.
Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Department of Homeland Security.
The MH-65E Dolphin SRR Helicopter aircrew safely hoisted all three individuals from the sinking vessel. Shortly after, the Ichiban was completely submerged at a water depth of over 400 feet. The survivors were transported to Air Station Barbers Point, where they were met by Hawaii EMS for a wellness check. Reportedly, only 80 gallons of diesel fuel and assorted hydraulic and lube oils were aboard the vessel. Due to the vessel’s depth, responders do not anticipate any salvage efforts.
The Coast Guard reminds all mariners to ensure their vessels are properly maintained and equipped with appropriate safety gear, including life jackets, emergency beacons, and reliable communication devices.
–USCG–
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