HONOLULU – Yesterday evening, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu responded to a grounded vessel located approximately two miles north of Ni’ihau where two persons were reported to be in the water.
Sector Honolulu received notification at approximately 7:15 p.m. and an Air Station Barbers Point helicopter was dispatched to the location. The two fisherman onboard the fishing vessels WAHINE KEPALOA IV were airlifted to Oahu at 9 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Upon notification of the sinking vessel, Sector Honolulu issued an Urgent Broadcast Notice to Mariners (UMIB) to enlist the help of possible Good Samaritans in the area who may have been willing to lend assistance. The cruise ship Pride of America answered the request and diverted to the scene. The ship conducted a shoreline search of the rocky coast, using their high powered spot lights while remaining offshore approximately 1.5 miles and in 100 fathoms of water.
Personnel from Sector Honolulu will continue to investigate this incident to determine the cause of the grounding.
Source: USCG Sector Honolulu Public Affairs
