Coast Guard, Hawaii Fire Department Suspend Big Island Search for Swimmer

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Damon

The Coast Guard and Hawaii County Fire Department suspended the search at sunset Thursday for a man last seen Monday night at the north end of Waipio Valley Beach on the Big Island.

Coast Guard watchstanders in the Sector Honolulu Command Center were notified of the situation at approximately 4:15 p.m., Tuesday, by the Hawaii County fire department. The report stated that a man had gone swimming off the northeast coast of the Big Island and had not been seen since Monday night.

Kevin Devlin

John Spillane (HPD reported him as Kevin Devlin)

The Coast Guard searched with air and sea assets for the 62-year-old male John Spillane for nearly three days. The Coast Guard’s search area covered over 3,750 miles. Hawaii County Fire Department’s search included air, sea and shore assets as well as divers.

The Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center gathered data using self locating data marker buoys and the search and rescue optimal planning system.  To calculate search areas in the complex currents of the Hawaiian Islands, watchstanders use the SAROPS. SAROPS is a software system that uses simulated particles generated by users in a graphical interface. These particles are then influenced by environmental data to provide information on search object drift. Using information on a point of origin and local currents, it calculates the most likely area to find a person in the water.

Allthough the Coast Guard and Hawaii County Fire Department have suspended their search, the Hawaii County Police Department will continue a missing persons investigation. Anyone with information on Spillane or his next of kin are requested to contact the Hawaii County Police Department.

 

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Coast Guard Suspends Search for Man Who Fell Overboard in North Pacific

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Damon

The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing mariner who fell overboard from a sailing vessel in the North Pacific early Sunday.

US Coast Guard HH65 Dauphine

US Coast Guard HH65 Dauphine

The search for Luke Stimson was suspended at 9 a.m. Tuesday pending any further developments. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy crews searched approximately 2,340 square miles in a search area 575 miles west of Midway Atoll. Coast Guard and Navy crews searched a total of 50 hours over the course of three days.

Coast Guard watchstanders in Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu were notified by Marine Rescue Coordination Center Falmouth, United Kingdom, that Stimson, one of the two-person crew, had fallen overboard from the 38-foot sailing vessel Jonetsu. Stimson was reportedly wearing a yellow lifejacket and was conscious when he fell into the water. The second crewmember, Laura Vernon, incorrectly identified previously as Laura Beinon, did not have enough sailing experience to safely navigate the vessel alone.

The U.S. Navy warship Peleliu (LHA 5), a Tarawa-Class amphibious assault ship, was diverted from their homeward bound transit to assist in the search. The Peleliu deployed two MH-60 helicopters at approximately 5 a.m. Sunday to conduct search patterns. One MH-60 helicopter located the sailing vessel and conducted a basket hoist to rescue Vernon at approximately 12 p.m. Sunday. She was taken safely to the Peleliu with no reported injuries.

Two Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane crews from Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, alternated searches from Midway Atoll and Wake Island throughout Sunday, Sunday night and Monday. During Sunday night, two Navy MH-60 helicopters and two CH-46 helicopters conducted six more searches of the area.

“We offer our thoughts and prayers to the Stimson and Vernon families during this difficult time,” said Jennifer Conklin, a JRCC Honolulu search and rescue specialist. “Suspending a search is never an easy decision, nor is it one that is made quickly.”

For more information contact the Coast Guard’s 14th District Public Affairs Office at (808) 535-3230.

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Coast Guard and Navy Rescue One Man – Searching for Another Who Fell Overboard

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Damon

The Coast Guard and U.S. Navy have rescued one mariner from a sailboat in distress and are searching for another who fell overboard 500 miles west of Midway Atoll Sunday.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter

Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu was contacted by Marine Rescue Coordination Center Falmouth, United Kingdom, at 11:30 p.m., notifying them that one of two crewmembers had fallen overboard from a 38-foot sailing vessel. The 35 year old man overboard is wearing a yellow lifejacket with a light and was reportedly conscious when he went into the water. Both crewmembers are citizens of the United Kingdom and the remaining person aboard was described as an inexperienced sailor.

A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane crew out of Air Station Barbers Point on the island of Oahu, Hawaii deployed at 2:15 a.m. to begin a search of the area. Due to the distance and time of travel from Honolulu, a second HC-130 crew is deploying to alternate search times as crews recover at Wake Island. The crews have the capability to deploy a life raft should they locate the missing mariner.

The U.S. Navy warship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), a Tarawa Class amphibious assault ship was diverted from their homeward bound transit to assist in the search.

The Peleliu deployed two MH-60 helicopters at approximately 5 a.m. to conduct search patterns. One MH-60 helicopter conducted a basket hoist and rescued the crewmember from the sailing vessel.

On scene weather conditions are winds of 25mph and six foot seas.

 

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Kayakers Rescued by Honolulu Fire Department and Coast Guard

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Damon

The Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department rescued a group of kayakers offshore of Honolulu, Saturday.

Honolulu Fire Department received a call from one of a group of six kayakers at approximately 8 a.m. stating that some of their kayaks had overturned and  four people were in the water. HFD deployed a rescue helicopter, rescue boat, fire boat and engine and contacted the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center.

Sector Honolulu responded by issuing an urgent marine information broadcast to request the assistance of mariners in the area and launching a 45-foot Response-Boat Medium from Coast Guard Station Honolulu.

Upon arriving on scene the Coast Guard response boat crew rescued four people from the water and took one person aboard from a kayak. They were then able to recover three kayaks, and escort the sixth member of the group as he paddled to Kaimana Beach. The five people aboard the response boat  and their kayaks were taken to Ala Wai Boat Harbor with no reported injuries. Everyone was wearing a lifejacket.

Maritime accidents can occur quickly and without warning, even under the best weather conditions. Lifejackets, hand held marine VHF radios and signaling devices can greatly increase the chance of survival should the unexpected occur. Visitors to the Hawaiian Islands as well as residents should ensure they have appropriate safety equipment, weather information and experience before heading out on the water.

For more information on lifejackets visit http://www.uscgboating.org.

Sea conditions at the time were one to two foot swells, calm winds and clear skies. For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at (808) 535-3230.

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Coast Guard Crewmembers Aid Disabled Vessel Off Big Island

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Damon

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska assisted the crew aboard a disabled vessel approximately 6 miles east of Pohokiki, off the Big Island Sunday, March 3, 2013.

The motor vessel Mellow Yellow, center, is escorted back to Hilo by the crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, foreground, Sunday, March 3, 2013, approximately 6 miles off the "Big Island" of Hawaii. Coast Guardsmen aboard Kiska boarded the disabled Mellow Yellow and determined there were issues with the vessel’s steering. Engineers effected temporary repairs to assist the Mellow Yellow crew by making a rudder system out of wood and rope. Kiska crew members remained aboard and escorted the Mellow Yellow back to shore and completed a post search and rescue boarding. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

The motor vessel Mellow Yellow, center, is escorted back to Hilo by the crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, foreground, Sunday, March 3, 2013, approximately 6 miles off the “Big Island” of Hawaii. Coast Guardsmen aboard Kiska boarded the disabled Mellow Yellow and determined there were issues with the vessel’s steering. Engineers effected temporary repairs to assist the Mellow Yellow crew by making a rudder system out of wood and rope. Kiska crew members remained aboard and escorted the Mellow Yellow back to shore and completed a post search and rescue boarding. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Coast Guard watchstanders in the Sector Honolulu Command Center were notified that the 24-foot Mellow Yellow had lost steering at 7:15 a.m. Sunday. Two people were aboard the vessel.

A Coast Guard Cutter Kiska crew member helps steer the motor vessel Mellow Yellow back to shore Sunday, March 3, 2013, approximately 6 miles off the "Big Island" of Hawaii. Kiska crew members responded to the disabled boat after receiving a report stating the Mellow Yellow suffered a steering casualty. Kiska engineers boarded the Mellow Yellow and effected temporary repairs to assist the crew by making a rudder system out of wood and rope. Kiska crew members remained aboard and escorted the Mellow Yellow back to shore and completed a post search and rescue boarding. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

A Coast Guard Cutter Kiska crew member helps steer the motor vessel Mellow Yellow back to shore Sunday, March 3, 2013, approximately 6 miles off the “Big Island” of Hawaii. Kiska crew members responded to the disabled boat after receiving a report stating the Mellow Yellow suffered a steering casualty. Kiska engineers boarded the Mellow Yellow and effected temporary repairs to assist the crew by making a rudder system out of wood and rope. Kiska crew members remained aboard and escorted the Mellow Yellow back to shore and completed a post search and rescue boarding. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

The Kiska crew arrived to the vessel’s location and transferred engineers to make temporary repairs on the Mellow Yellow’s steering system. Coast Guardsmen made a very basic rudder system using wood and rope. Coast Guard engineers remained aboard the vessel and ensured its safe return to Hilo Harbor, using the makeshift rudder.

A temporary steering system made by Coast Guard Cutter Kiska engineers was used to escort the motor vessel Mellow Yellow back to port, Sunday, March 3, 2013, off the "Big Island" of Hawaii. Kiska crew members responded to the disabled boat after receiving a report stating the Mellow Yellow suffered a steering casualty. Kiska engineers boarded the Mellow Yellow and effected temporary repairs to assist the crew by making a rudder system out of wood and rope. Kiska crew members remained aboard and escorted the Mellow Yellow back to shore and completed a post search and rescue boarding. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

A temporary steering system made by Coast Guard Cutter Kiska engineers was used to escort the motor vessel Mellow Yellow back to port, Sunday, March 3, 2013, off the “Big Island” of Hawaii. Kiska crew members responded to the disabled boat after receiving a report stating the Mellow Yellow suffered a steering casualty. Kiska engineers boarded the Mellow Yellow and effected temporary repairs to assist the crew by making a rudder system out of wood and rope. Kiska crew members remained aboard and escorted the Mellow Yellow back to shore and completed a post search and rescue boarding. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

As the Coast Guard is America’s maritime first responder, the Coast Guard’s professional workforce and locally based units are always ready to respond. The Coast Guard’s readiness and constant presence on America’s coasts and waterways enable fast, flexible response to assist those in need.

For more information contact Lt. Kevin Cooper, Sector Honolulu public affairs officer, at 808-842-2657.

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Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Kīlauea Man

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Damon
The Coast Guard suspended its search at approximately 6 p.m. Friday, for a 55 year old man who went missing after he was presumed to have entered the waters off Ninini Beach, Kauai, Tuesday.The search began at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday when it was reported that Scott Akina had not returned home from his usual workout near Kalapakī and Nawiliwili Bays.

The Coast Guard, Kauai Fire Department, Kauai Police Department, Ocean Safety Bureau and the state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement have searched an area over 6,200 square miles using aircraft, cutters, small boats and shore personnel.

“The decision to suspend a search is one of the hardest we have to make,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Shannon Gilreath, Sector Honolulu’s acting commander. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Akina during this difficult time.”

The Pathfinder for Maritime Search & Rescue

The Pathfinder for Maritime Search & Rescue

The Coast Guard deployed crews aboard MH-65 Dolphin helicopters, an HC-130 Hercules airplane, the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Ahi, a 47-foot Motor Life Boat and a vessel from the local volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-15 Kauai.

The Coast Guard also used self locating datum marker buoys and a Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System to determine the search area of highest probability for locating Akina.

For more information regarding the search, contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at (808) 535-3230.

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Search Continues for Missing Navy SEAL

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Damon

The Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and local agencies, continue to search for a missing sailor off of Kaena Point, Friday.

Friday’s search is scheduled to include the Coast Guard Cutters Walnut and Kiska as well as a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Honolulu, a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Station Kauai, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Barbers Point. Crews aboard the Military Sealift Command’s Submarine and Special Warfare Support Vessel C-Commando are also involved as well as Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and a Navy P-3C Orion airplane are also joining the search efforts. Thursday’s search also included a Navy SH-60B Seahawk helicopter.

Crews are searching an area from Kaena Point stretching 30 miles north and 74 miles west. The total search area for Friday is approximately 690 square miles. The total area searched, since Tuesday, is 9,896 square miles, more than twice the square mileage of the Big Island.

Coast Guard watchstanders in the Sector Honolulu command center were initially notified of the missing man on Tuesday afternoon.

The Pathfinder for Maritime Search & Rescue

The Pathfinder for Maritime Search & Rescue

Coast Guard crews searched throughout the night on Tuesday, all of Wednesday and into Thursday. Search crews extended their search area Thursday based on data received by self locating datum marker buoys, which help track ocean current directions, assisting search planners in directing the different air and surface assets.

For more information regarding the search, contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at (808) 535-3230.

For more information regarding the Navy sailor, contact Lt. Cmdr. David McKinney at (619) 522-2816.

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Sailor Goes Missing Near Kaena Point During Open Ocean Swim Training

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Damon

The Coast Guard, Navy, Ocean Safety and Honolulu Fire Department are searching for a Navy sailor near Kaena Point, Oahu, Wednesday.

The Pathfinder for Maritime Search & Rescue

The Pathfinder for Maritime Search & Rescue. (Self-Locating Datum Marker Buoy)

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu was notified that a Hawaii-based sailor was reported missing after he became separated from other members of his command during an open ocean swim training evolution off Kaena Point Tuesday afternoon.

An MH-65 dolphin helicopter crew out of Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and a response boat-medium crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu were diverted from a training exercise at 6:30 p.m. to begin searching the area. A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane crew began assisting with the search at 1 a.m. Wednesday. The Honolulu Fire Department Air One helicopter and a fire department land company searched the sea and shoreline until nightfall. Coast Guard rescue crews continued to search the sea and shoreline throughout the night.

Search crews Wednesday include the contracted Navy tug Sea Commando, the Coast Guard Cutters Walnut and Kittiwake, a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Station Honolulu, and Coast Guard aircraft. Ocean Safety crews aboard a jet ski and several assets from the Honolulu Fire Department, including the Air One helicopter, a 24-foot rescue boat and a shoreline crew are searching.

Sector Honolulu watchstanders are utilizing the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System, a computer program which calculates environmental factors such as weather; wind, current speed and direction to determine a search area with the highest probability for locating a missing person in the water. In addition to SAROPS, Coast Guard crews have deployed three Self-Locating Datum Marker buoys to better assist rescue crews in coordinating their search patterns. The SAROPS program is presently in agreement with the physical datum marker buoys on the optimal search area.

For more information regarding the search, contact the Coast Guard’s 14th District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

For information regarding the missing Navy sailor, contact Agnes Tauyan, Navy Region Hawaii director of public affairs at 808-473-2875 or 808-554-4813.

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Coast Guard Suspends Search for Big Island Man Jeremiah Nathan

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Damon

The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing spear fisherman off the coast of Honaunau Beach Park, on the Big Island, pending any new developments, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

The Coast Guard assisted the Hawaii County Fire Department in the search for 41 year-old Jeremiah Nathan. Crews covered an area approximately 900 square miles off the west coast of the Big Island during the search.

Nathan was reportedly last seen walking on Honaunau Beach with diving gear, wearing a blue-green camouflage full body wet suit at approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew conducted searches Friday. A Coast Guard Auxiliary airplane crew conducted a first light search, Saturday morning.

Jeremiah Nathan

Jeremiah Nathan

“The decision to suspend a search is one of the hardest we have to make,” said Cmdr. Shannon Gilreath, Sector Honolulu’s acting commander. “Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Mr. Nathan during this difficult time”.

Hawaii County Fire Department crews are scheduled to continue the search.

Coast Guard officials were notified of the potential distress by a friend of Nathan’s at approximately 9 p.m. Thursday. After receiving a call indicating that Nathan had not arrived in California as expected, the friend traveled to Honaunau Bay where he found Nathan’s truck parked and unlocked with personal items still inside.

Anyone with information on Nathan’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600 or the Hawaii County Fire Department dispatch at 808-961-8336.

For more information contact the Sector Honolulu public affairs officer, Lt. Kevin Cooper, at 808-286-4675.

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Coast Guard Transports Injured Monk Seal From Big Island To Oahu for Urgent Medical Care

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Damon

Coast Guard crews, working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration transported a Hawaiian monk seal from the Big Island to Oahu for urgent medical care, Friday.

Monk Seal

Coast Guard crews, working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration transport a Hawaiian monk seal from the Big Island to Oahu for urgent medical care, Feb. 1, 2013. The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric J. Chandler.

The HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, received the seal at Kona International Airport, Kailua-Kona, Friday morning.

“The juvenile male monk seal, I.D. tag K68, was observed exhibiting what appeared to be breathing difficulties, but a diagnosis was not possible in the field and it was necessary to bring the seal in to a care facility for a health assessment and treatment as needed. As of 1:00 pm on Friday, the monk seal had been transferred to the Waikiki Aquarium, and NOAA Fisheries veterinarians were preparing to conduct diagnostic procedures such as x-rays and ultrasound. NOAA Fisheries will provide an update early next week after a full health assessment has been completed.” said Dr. Jeffrey Walters, NOAA Marine Mammal Branch Chief.

The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. Part of the true seal family, they are one of only two remaining monk seal species.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Veterinarian Michelle Barbieri travels from the Big Island to Oahu aboard an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point with a Hawaiian monk seal Feb. 1, 2013. The Hawaiian monk seal was suffering respiratory problems and Coast Guard air crews transported him to Oahu for medical care. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric J. Chandler.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Veterinarian Michelle Barbieri travels from the Big Island to Oahu aboard an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point with a Hawaiian monk seal Feb. 1, 2013. The Hawaiian monk seal was suffering respiratory problems and Coast Guard air crews transported him to Oahu for medical care. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric J. Chandler.

Safeguarding marine mammals falls under the Coast Guard’s living marine resources mission, one of the service’s 11 statutory missions. The nation’s waterways and their ecosystems are vital to the country’s economy and health. This includes ensuring the country’s marine protected species are provided the protection necessary to help their populations recover to healthy, sustainable levels.

The Coast Guard partners with NOAA on many living marine resources missions in Hawaii to protect endangered marine mammals including humpback whales. Operation Kohola Guardian involves coordinated joint Coast Guard, NOAA and State of Hawaii patrols of the National Marine Sanctuary during the peak Humpback Whale season months of January through March.

The 14th Coast Guard District is home to four Marine National Monuments and two National Marine Sanctuaries, more than any other region in the United States.

For more information on the Coast Guard’s many ongoing missions protecting Hawaii’s marine resources throughout the year contact the 14th District’s Public Affairs Office at 808-535-3230.

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Coast Guard Conducts Harbor Tour with Sen. Brian Schatz

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Damon

Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz met with the U.S. Coast Guard on Oahu and conducted a tour of Honolulu Harbor aboard one of the Coast Guard’s newest vessels, Tuesday.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Kurt Fredrickson

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Kurt Fredrickson

Rear Adm. Charles W. Ray, 14th Coast Guard District commander, hosted the tour and provided Schatz an up close look at Coast Guard operations in and around the Port of Honolulu. It was also an opportunity for Schatz to learn more about the role of the Coast Guard in the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Kurt Fredrickson

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Kurt Fredrickson

Schatz was given the opportunity to pilot the 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, under the instruction of crewmembers from Station Honolulu. The RB-M is one of the Coast Guard’s newest assets with an improved design, new ergonomics, and enhanced safety features, making boat crews more effective in performing their various missions.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Kurt Fredrickson

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Kurt Fredrickson

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Brian Schatz, Hawaii, Military, National Affairs, Oahu, Security | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Coast Guard Looking for Plane that Disappeared Traveling from Maui to Molokai

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Damon

The Coast Guard continues to search Sunday, for a privately owned Cessna 172S airplane that disappeared from radar while traveling from Maui to Molokai.

A Cessna 172

A Cessna 172

Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu received a report at 7 p.m. Saturday, that the airplane disappeared from radar approximately 2.5 miles north of Maui’s North Shore.

A debris field that appears to be from an aircraft has been located in the area, approximately two miles north of Maui, but confirmation that it is the missing Cessna can’t be made.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Ahi, from Honolulu, and response boat crews from Coast Guard Station Maui are searching the area.

Maui Fire Department and Maui Police Department have conducted land searches without locating any signs of aircraft debris.

The Cessna 172S is a four-seat, single-engine, fixed-wing aircraft. It is unknown if anyone other than the pilot is aboard.

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Wordless Wednesday – Coast Guard Flying Around Kapoho on the Big Island

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Damon

Earlier today I saw a Coast Guard helicopter flying around the Kapoho area of the Big Island.  I’ve tried to contact the Coast Guard to see what it was about but I just received an answering machine.

Here is a picture I took from my iPhone.  You can just barely make out the helicopter:

Anyone know what was going on?

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Hawaii Coast Guard Looking for Source of False Distress Signals

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Damon

The Coast Guard is asking the public’s help Friday, in locating the source of recent false distress calls which have been occurring mainly on the east end of Oahu.

Click here for false mayday audio download.

The most recent call occurred Tuesday, and was received at approximately 4 p.m. by Coast Guard watchstanders in the Sector Honolulu Command Center. The call was a child’s voice saying, “Hello, hello, hello, hello. Mayday, mayday.”

Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Thiessen gets lifted into the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter after a search and rescue demonstration for National Safe Boating Week in Honolulu Harbor, May 20, 2011. In support of National Safe Boating Week a press briefing was held at Station Honolulu where local agencies joined the Coast Guard to promote the kickoff.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Angela Henderson

The voice sounded very similar, if not identical, to the voice heard on other recent radio calls that were eventually suspended as probable hoaxes after no source of distress could be located.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, was launched to investigate Tuesday’s call. No indications of distress were located during the search. One vessel was located in the vicinity, but did not corroborate any mayday calls or signs of distress. The search was suspended at approximately 7:10 p.m., Tuesday.

“This may not occur to the hoax caller, but people could die as a result of prank calls,” said Commander Steve Wheeler, Sector Honolulu’s Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator. “Every call received by the Coast Guard is treated as an actual distress case. So while our boats and aircraft are out searching in response to these types of fake calls, another mariner, who truly is in distress, may not get the timely assistance they require.”

Knowingly communicating a false distress or causing the Coast Guard to attempt to save lives and property when no help is needed is a felony.  The penalties include prison time, criminal fines, civil fines and reimbursement to the Coast Guard for the ample costs incurred in responding to the false call.

Mariners are encouraged to take steps to prevent the occurrence of fraudulent calls by removing radios or locking them up when not in use, teaching children appropriate use, and reporting suspected hoax callers to the Coast Guard tip line at 1-800-264-5980.

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at 808-535-3230.

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U.S. Coast Guard Conducts Medical Evacuation Aboard U.S. Navy Vessel

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Damon

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point medically evacuated a contractor aboard the USNS Soderman (T-AKR 317) operating off the coast of Hawaii, Thursday.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew conducts the medical evacuation of a contractor aboard the USNS Soderman (T-AKR 317) operating off the coast of Hawaii, Oct. 4, 2012. Watchstanders in the Joint Rescue Coordination Center communicated with a Coast Guard flight surgeon, recommended the medical evacuation of the mariner. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Air Station Barbers Point.

Coast Guard watchstanders in Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu were notified at approximately 8:50 a.m. Wednesday of a contractor aboard USNS Soderman requiring medical attention due to symptoms of dizziness and dehydration.

Watchstanders in the Joint Rescue Coordination Center communicated with a Coast Guard flight surgeon, who recommended the medical evacuation of the mariner.

The Coast Guard launched the Dolphin crew to remove the patient from the vessel at approximately 10:40 a.m.

An HC-130 Hercules aircraft crew was launched to provide cover for the Dolphin crew at approximately 10:46 a.m.

The patient was transported ashore to Hilo Medical Center in Hilo, Hawaii, to receive medical treatment.

USNS Soderman is a U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command Army Prepositioned Stock ship. Military Sealift Command operates approximately 110 non-combatant, merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, and strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

For more information about USNS Soderman, contact Jillian Morris, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs at 202-685-5058.

For more information about the Coast Guard rescue, contact 14th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at 808-535-3230.

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Coast Guard Signs Memorandom of Agreement with County of Hawaii

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Damon

Rear Admiral Charles Ray 
of the United States Coast Guard was in Hilo yesterday to meet with Mayor Billy Kenoi to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the County of Hawai‘i. The agreement formalizes the protocol through which the Hawai‘i County Fire Department will coordinate search and rescue operations with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The agreement is similar to those in place with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Army’s Pōhakuloa Training Area, to formalize the working relationship between those first responders and the Hawai‘i County Fire Department.

“The ocean is such a vast area for any one boat or helicopter to search. The more resources we can tap, the more area we can cover sooner, and the better the chances are of finding someone alive,” said Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki of the Hawai‘i County Fire Department. Battalion Chief Kosaki is responsible for, among other things, the department’s Search & Rescue operations. “We’re very fortunate to have the Coast Guard’s support when anyone needs assistance off the shores of Hawai‘i Island.”

More Here: Search & Rescue agreement signed by County, Coast Guard

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DLNR Statement on Yesterdays Whales in Honolulu Harbor

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Damon

A pair of humpback whales, likely a mother and its yearling, entered Honolulu Harbor yesterday and spent time within the harbor near Pier 35, and later Pier 29, moved out of the harbor this afternoon and were headed out to sea by 1:45 p.m. yesterday. Earlier reports called these two animals a mother and calf.

Whales spotted in Honolulu Harbor Yesterday

DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) sent a patrol boat with two officers about 11 a.m. to Honolulu harbor to continue to maintain a safety zone around the whales. They relieved Coast Guard officials who had been monitoring the whales since the morning.

There were reports of four additional whales early in the morning near Pier 2, but these could not be confirmed.

DLNR reminds boaters that the months of November through May are humpback season in Hawaii, and reminds boaters to be alert and watch for whales in Hawaii waters to avoid whale strikes. Vessel operators and other ocean users are required to stay at least 100 yards away from them at all times. Humpback whales are an endangered species and are protected by State and Federal laws.

“We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of DOCARE, the Coast Guard, Honolulu Harbor Marine Traffic Control, and NOAA, who together ensured the safety of both the whales and boaters today,” said Elia Herman, State Co-Manager of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. “We also appreciate the efforts of ocean users who first sighted and reported the animals in the Harbor.”

To report a marine mammal in trouble (injured, stranded, or entangled whale, dolphin or seal) please call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline: 1-888-256-9840 or the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) statewide hotline: 643-DLNR (3567).

Please report immediately and keep your distance, for your safety. Injured, sick or entangled animals can be unpredictable and dangerous.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which is jointly managed by the State of Hawai‘i and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, lies within the shallow warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands and constitutes one of the world’s most important humpback whale habitats.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Environment, Hawaii, Oahu, State Affairs | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

World Maritime Day Event Tomorrow at Aloha Tower

Posted on October 15, 2009 by Damon
Media Release:

The U.S. Coast Guard is scheduled to host the 2009 International Maritime Organization World Maritime Day parallel event Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

The event will focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment.

Event highlights include vessel tours, information displays and talks with maritime organizations, and a special afternoon “Salute to the Maritime Community” with a performance by the Marine Forces Pacific Band, a spray demonstration by the Honolulu Fire Department fire boat crew and a Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter flyover.

“We are honored to host the 2009 International Maritime Organization World Maritime Day parallel event,” said Adm. Thad Allen, commandant of the U.S Coast Guard. “The parallel event is an opportunity for the maritime community to come together with the public to celebrate the contributions of the maritime industry as well as discuss and promote ways in which we can address areas important to us all.”

Other co-sponsors include the Maritime Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of State.

The event is free and open to the public.

Other ports throughout the United States are scheduled to host simultaneous events.

maritime

Filed under: Announcements, Entertainment, Military, Oahu | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Coast Guard Removes 32 Tons of Derelict Fishing Nets from Papahanaumokuakea

Posted on July 13, 2009 by Damon

…The crew of the Walnut, a 225-foot buoy tender home ported in Honolulu, partnered with NOAA and the U.S. Army’s 7th Engineer Dive Team to remove more than 32 tons of derelict fishing nets and other refuse from the coral reefs in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument…

…On Monday, July 13, the cutter crew will offload the debris in Honolulu Harbor and transfer it to containers on the pier, which will then be picked up by Schnitzer Steel Corporation, which will shred the debris. The trash will then be converted into energy by the Hawaiian Electric Company at its co-generation plant…

More here

Filed under: Announcements, Environment, Hawaii, Military, State Affairs | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

Coast Guard Boat Rescues Boat Off Hilo

Posted on March 24, 2009 by Damon

At approximately 12:40 p.m., Monday, March 23, 2009, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Kukui received a radio call from a vessel requiring assistance in the vicinity of Hilo Harbor on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The buoy tender was diverted from work on the west side of the island in Kailua, Kona and responded to the 25-foot vessel with five adults aboard.

The master of the vessel reported the engine had stalled and they been drifting for some time approximately three nautical miles south-southeast of Hilo Harbor in swells of five to six feet and 11-knot winds.

The Kukui small boat was launched and towed the vessel to a point outside the harbor to meet the Hawaii County Fire Department. However, conditions were too rough for HCFD to safely take the tow, so the KUK II, Kukui’s small boat, towed the vessel back into the harbor.

The Kukui’s boat crew consisted of Chief Petty Officer Paul Bertram, Petty Officer 2nd Class Kalanikapu Kane, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Noreikas.

The vessel’s owner/operator said he was very appreciative of the Coast Guard. The Kukui crew is currently working aids to navigation on the Big Island.

U.S. Coast Guard cutter Kukui off Oahu

U.S. Coast Guard cutter Kukui off Oahu

Filed under: Big Island, Security, Transportation | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

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