2 fishermen in small boat rescued before drifting into Big Island reef

A 17-foot boat that lost engine power with two fishermen aboard and was drifting dangerously close to a shallow reef in heavy surf breaks on the Big Island has been rescued.

A Hawaiʻi Fire Department crew arrived around 7: 18 p.m. on Thursday to find the boat about 100 yards offshore of the Four Seasons Hualālai coastline and drifting without a secured anchor.

Two fire department first responders stood by on the shore, prepared to conduct a rescue if the boat capsizes. The U.S. Coast Guard also was called to help.

But neither the water rescue or the Coast Guard were needed. The county’s Sealeg-7 rescue boat was able to reach the distressed boat and tow it to a nearby mooring.

No injuries to the fishermen, and no damage to the boat or reef were reported.