Coast Guard Assists Sailer in Distress

Crews from the Coast Guard in Hawai’i today were 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 Q-Wave was in need of assistance.  According to the communication, the mariner had less than a liter of water and no food, and the vessel 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 the vessel Fifth Wife was in the area and overheard communications regarding the disabled boat, and responded 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.