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Press Release | Dec. 14, 2023

Coast Guard rescues three mariners and dog off Kauai

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard rescued three mariners and a dog aboard a disabled vessel off Kauai, Wednesday.

The disabled sailing vessel, Isle Time, was located by an Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew approximately 30 miles offshore.

At 3:17 p.m., Wednesday, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) distress alert plotting 30 nautical miles north-east of Kauai.

Upon notification, watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast notice to mariners and deployed a Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point.

At 6:04 p.m., Wednesday, the Dolphin helicopter aircrew located the disabled sailing vessel and deployed a rescue swimmer on board. An Air Station Barbers Point C-130J Hercules aircrew provided overwatch of the vessel while the Dolphin helicopter aircrew refueled on Kauai, later returning to safely recover the three mariners and their dog by conducting multiple hoists.

It was reported that the disabled vessel had a broken bilge pump and was taking on water due to the onset of water over the bow and adverse weather conditions.

The Sector Honolulu Command Center issued a hazard to navigation broadcast and is currently monitoring the situation with the vessel currently adrift. 

The three mariners and dog were reported to be in stable condition.


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