News

Coast Guard Rescues Four Overboard Mariners

Play
Listen to this Article
1 minute
Loading Audio... Article will play after ad...
Playing in :00
A
A
A

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball rescued four mariners off Portlock after they had fallen overboard from their vessel Sunday.

The cutter’s small boat crew rescued the four mariners, one of whom sustained minor injuries from the vessel’s propeller, and brought them safely back to await medical services. 

At 1:16 p.m. Sunday afternoon, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from a good Samaritan stating an unmanned 14-foot vessel was transiting in circles off Portlock and people were in the water near the vicinity.

The Kimball’s small boat crew was nearby conducting Memorial Day weekend safety operations and diverted to the scene, recovering the four mariners and gaining control of their wayward vessel. 

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

The mariners claimed they were ejected from their boat when a large wake impacted the vessel.

“On April 1, a new law requiring engine cut-off switches went into effect,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Chad Chao, an operations specialist for Sector Honolulu. “It’s always better to have more safety measures in place and this is a great way to maintain control of your vessel in the unpredictable ocean.”

The new law applies to any motorized boat with three or more horsepower and is less than 26-feet in length. It requires the operator of the boat with the installed ECOS to use the ECOS link, typically a bungee cord lanyard clipped to the operator’s person. 

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

When the operator is underway, the engine will cut off if the operator is separated from the operating area, which can happen if the operator falls or is ejected from the vessel, causing the vessel to stop making way. 

The ECOS may also prevent the operator from making contact with the vessel’s spinning propeller, and may aid the operator in safely returning to the vessel. 

Sponsored Content

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay in-the-know with daily or weekly
headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Cancel
×

Comments

This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Big Island Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments