HONOLULU – Coast Guard rescue crews today aided a foundering vessel about 170 miles northwest of Kauai.The master of the fishing vessel Isabella T contacted the Coast Guard at about 9 a.m. reporting a possible breach in the hull and flooding. A Coast Guard C-130 airplane and crew from Barbers Point were launched to rendezvous with the fishing vessel.
Three Good Samaritan vessels and the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska were also diverted to assist the six-person crew and render aid as necessary.
The C-130 crew air dropped two dewatering pumps to the Isabella T and remained on scene while the crew assembled and started the pumps. A second C-130 airplane and crew, also from Barbers Point, arrived on scene and circled overhead until the master reported that the pumps were working and the flooding was under control.
The master also stated that he was going to continue to retrieve his fishing gear. The Coast Guard will continue to communicate with the crew of the Isabella T until they arrive safely in port.
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