HFD, Coast Guard Assist Vessel in Distress off Hilo Coast

A vessel in distress off the coast of the Big Island was assisted Tuesday in a joint operation between the Hawai’i County Fire Department and the Untied States Coast Guard.

HFD reports that just before 7 a.m. Tuesday, a call to the Coast Guard came in through marine radio, noting that a 30-foot sailing vessel with no motorized power was stranded about 11 miles northeast of the Big Island.

The person on board said that he was not able to steer the boat. Coast Guard officials initiated response via a Cutter and anticipated that they would on scene within 10 hours.

The man on board said that he had not eaten or drank anything for three days, according to HFD.

After reaching the man at about 2:40 p.m., HFD initiated a rescue and towed the distressed vessel into Hilo Bay.

Officials say the man on board was not in need of medical attention and was in good spirits.

The owner of the property and cause of the stranding was not immediately known.