HONOLULU — Three kayakers are safe after they were rescued by the Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department approximately one mile off Yokohama Bay, Thursday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center received a call from the fire department at 7:45 p.m. that three individuals aboard two kayaks were stranded offshore. Crews aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Station Honolulu and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point were launched to assist at approximately 8 p.m.
The fire department Air One helicopter located the three kayakers at 8:46 p.m. The Dolphin crew arrived on scene at 8:55 p.m. and illuminated the kayakers with a spotlight while the Air One crew rescued two of the kayakers. A Coast Guard rescue swimmer was also deployed to assist the kayakers during the rescue. The Dolphin crew safely hoisted the remaining kayaker.
No injuries were reported. None of the kayakers were wearing life jackets, carrying radios or any other safety equipment. Life jackets greatly improve chances of survival during a maritime accident.
