Imagery Available: Coast Guard rescues three divers off Maunaloa Bay, Hawaii

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 14th District Hawaii and the Pacific Contact: 14th District Public Affairs Office: (808) 535-3230 After Hours: (808) 341-9849 14th District online newsroom

 

Imagery Available: Coast Guard rescues three divers off Maunaloa Bay, Hawaii 

    

Editors' Note: Click on images to download a high-resolution version.

HONOLULU — Coast Guard crewmembers rescued three divers off Maunaloa Bay, Monday.

A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu located and recovered the men from the water and towed their disabled, 20-foot Wellcraft to Ala Wai Harbor.

“Our crews are always ready to respond to matters of distress on our waterways,”  said Senior Chief Petty Officer Dustin Costa, a Sector Honolulu command duty officer. “It is important for people to realize when they need help, be proactive and report it. Just like this gentleman did.”

At 10:05 a.m., watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center received a call from Hawaii Fire Department notifying them of a disabled vessel about two miles offshore Kahala Hilton. The watchstanders called the vessel captain and learned he lost contact with three recreational divers in the water. This call prompted the launch of the RB-M crew from Honolulu and the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Barbers Point to respond. 

Weather on scene was reportedly winds of over 20 mph and seas up to 5 feet.

In a second case off Maui Monday morning, Coast Guard watchstanders learned of a 63-year-old man in distress reported by the master of the vessel he was aboard. The man was reportedly struggling to breathe following a snorkeling outing. The Coast Guard duty flight surgeon was contacted and recommended a medevac. A Coast Guard Station Maui small boat crew, already underway for training, diverted to respond, rendezvous with the vessel Calypso and safely delivered the man in a stable condition to awaiting emergency medical personnel at Kihei Boat Ramp. 

-USCG-