A U.S. Coast Guard boat (right, background) assists the grounded vessel Mega off Molokai on Tuesday morning. Photo courtesy Coast Guard

The Maui News

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Maui Fire Department rescued five mariners from a boat that ran aground and began taking on water off the coast of Molokai’s Ilio Point early Tuesday morning.

At 3:57 a.m. Tuesday, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received notification from the crew of the 50-foot motor vessel “Mega” that they were rapidly taking on water and were drifting northwest of Molokai, according to a Coast Guard news release.

Watchstanders launched a 45-foot response boat-medium crew from Station Honolulu, along with a HC-130 Hercules aircrew and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Barbers Point. Assistance was also requested from MFD.

The Coast Guard Station Honolulu boat crew arrived on scene and attempted to drain the water from the boat while MFD boat and ground crews stood by. However, they could not reduce the amount of flooding. The five mariners were transferred to the Coast Guard boat and transported back to Oahu. No injures were reported.

“Our crews undergo rigorous training year round, preparing for situations like the one we encountered early this morning,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Heigis, a boat coxswain from Coast Guard Station Honolulu. “The success of this rescue operation vividly demonstrates the dedication and commitment exhibited by our crewmembers.”

The grounded boat is currently afloat and a hazard to navigation maritime safety broadcast has been issued to notify mariners in the area.

The Coast Guard said there is no visible oil sheening at this time and that it will continue to monitor the boat.

A U.S. Coast Guard boat (right, background) assists the grounded vessel Mega off Molokai on Tuesday morning. Photo courtesy Coast Guard

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