Coast Guard rescues man from sinking catamaran off Kauai

(Tribune News Service) — The U.S. Coast Guard on Sunday hoisted a man from his sinking catamaran about 23 miles offshore of Kauai.

Honolulu watch standers received a report at 6 p.m. Sunday that Alakai, a 35-foot recreational catamaran, was disabled and experiencing a steering casualty while en route from Oahu to Kauai.

In a text message, the owner said the catamaran was flooding and that he was concerned it might sink.

The service launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and HC-130 Hercules crew from Air Station Barbers Point, along with a 45-foot response boat from Kauai.

The helicopter crew hoisted the man from his catamaran. Shortly afterward, the vessel sank with about 30 to 40 gallons of diesel fuel, two batteries, and three to four gallons of oil aboard.

The man was taken to the Lihue Airport, where paramedics evaluated him and released him with no medical concerns.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the catamaran’s sinking.

“It’s incredibly important for mariners to equip their vessels with the proper safety equipment,” said Cmdr. Andrew Williams, search-and-rescue mission coordinator, in a news release. “Wearing a life jacket can significantly reduce the risk of drowning, and reliable communication devices help mariners contact the Coast Guard in the event of an emergency.”

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