Coast Guard saves father, sons after boat capsizes offshore of Lanai (with video)
Without life jackets but with a handheld marine radio to help in their rescue, a man and his two sons spent several hours clinging to a capsized boat before being rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter crew in time to avoid nightfall.
The Coast Guard received a mayday call on VHF-FM channel 16 at 12:10 p.m. Saturday. The man said his boat had capsized, but he did not include the boat’s location or further details.
Aircrews from Coast Guard helicopter and HC-Hercules Airplane were diverted to respond to the distress call.
The helicopter crew located the man and two children clinging to the 16-foot capsized boat in waters seven miles south of Manele Harbor on Lanai at 5:05 p.m.
A Coast Guard rescue swimmer helped to hoist all three people from the water and transport the man and his sons, ages 8 and 12, to the Kahului Airport on Maui.
No injuries were reported.
The 42-year-old man from Kahului told authorities the boat capsized after it was swamped by a wave and none were wearing life jackets.
At the time of the rescue, the wind was blowing at 9 mph and seas were 4 to 5 feet.
The handheld marine radio apparently played a crucial role in the rescue.
“Carrying a handheld marine radio allows you to notify first responders if you end up in the water or separated from your vessel,” said Lt. Zachary Kayser, command duty officer, Sector Honolulu command center.
Kayser said the Coast Guard recommends all boaters wear life jackets when underway.
“Emergencies unfold quickly and may not allow enough time to find and fasten a life jacket.”