Search for Vessel in Distress Continues in Kailua-Kona

The US Coast Guard continues a search for mariners in distress off of Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island after receiving a mayday call on Thanksgiving morning.

Authorities say they received the distress call at around 8:03 a.m. from a mariner located approximately 46 miles west of Kailua-Kona.

After reviewing additional audio files, officials say the name of the vessel may be Molea or Malia.

According to Coast Guard reports, the mariner reported flooding on his small boat, and provided a GPS position near the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel before communications were lost.

The Coast Guard dispatched an 87-foot patrol boat from Honolulu, that is due to arrive on scene at midnight.  Throughout the day the search included personnel aboard an HC-130 Hercules aircraft, and a helicopter crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin craft from Air Station Barbers Point.

Authorities say the Dolphin and Ahi crews will continue their search throughout the night.

Weather conditions on scene include 35-mile per hour winds and six foot seas.

The description of the vessel and number of people aboard were unknown at last report

Anyone with information that could assist in identifying the mariner, the vessel, or voyage plan, is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600.