Coast Guard Rescues Man From Sinking Catamaran 23 Miles Offshore Hawaii

The U.S. Coast Guard on Sunday rescued a man from a sinking catamaran 23 miles offshore Hawaii.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu were alerted at around 6 p.m. Sunday that the 35-foot recreational catamaran Alakai was transiting from Oahu to Kauai when it became disabled and could not be steered. They established communication with the mariner via text message, and he reported the vessel was flooding, and that he was worried it would sink.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and HC-130 Hercules crew were launched from Air Station Barbers Point and a boat crew was launched from Coast Guard Station Kauai. The disabled vessel was located 23 miles offshore Kauai.

A video shared by the Coast Guard on Monday shows the helicopter crew hoisting the stranded mariner aboard. The man was flown to Lihue Airport in Lihue, Kauai, where he was evaluated by EMS and released without injury.

According to the Coast Guard, the catamaran sank shortly after the hoist, with approximately 30-40 gallons of diesel fuel, two batteries, and 3-4 gallons of oil aboard.

“It’s incredibly important for mariners to equip their vessels with the proper safety equipment,” said Cmdr. Andrew Williams, search and rescue mission coordinator. “Wearing a lifejacket can significantly reduce the risk of drowning, and reliable communication devices help mariners contact the Coast Guard in the event of an emergency.”

The cause of the vessel’s sinking is under investigation.