News Release

HONOLULU — The crew of the 110-foot U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island came to the aid of two people aboard a disabled sailing vessel Friday, 10 miles south of Pearl Harbor.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders were notified at about 2 p.m. and issued a marine assistance request broadcast (MARB) over VHF marine band radio channel 16.

The decision to launch the Galveston Island was made after the MARB went unanswered.

The 18-member crew of the cutter were on a routine patrol when they responded to the call from the master of the 26-foot sailing vessel Akua Kai.

The Galveston Island crew reached the scene at about 3 p.m. to begin the tow after finding the vessel's props were fouled with line.

The crew of the Galveston Island safely returned the vessel and two passengers to Barbers Point Harbor at 5:15 p.m.

"Boaters face the forces of the mighty Pacific Ocean as soon as they leave the harbors here in Hawaii," said Petty Officer 1st Class Lee McMillan, the cutter's operations petty officer. "I strongly encourage mariners to take the Boating or Sailing Skills & Seamanship courses offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary so they can be better prepared for emergencies."

For a photo of the tow, please visit the link below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46526169@N04/4588631594/

For more information on safe boating, click the following link:

http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/