Coast Guard
Coast Guard tows Transpacific Yacht Race participant to Honolulu
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
July 25, 2021
Coast Guard crews rescued 15 mariners aboard the disabled 72-foot sailing vessel Lucky, 26 miles east of Makapu’u Point, Oahu, July 24, 2021. The Lucky was adrift due to a disabled rudder and crews aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) and a Station Honolulu 45-foot Response Boat-Medium successfully towed the vessel to Honolulu Harbor. (Matthew West/U.S. Coast Guard)
(Tribune News Service) — The Coast Guard early Saturday morning rescued 15 mariners aboard the Lucky, a 72-foot sailing vessel participating in the 2021 Transpacific Yacht Race. The vessel was found 26 miles east of Makapuu Point.
"With any towing evolution there is risk involved, " said Ensign Michael Meisenger, operations officer aboard the Cutter Oliver Berry. "In 30-knot winds and 10-foot seas we were able to establish a tow with the Lucky and safely brought them back to Honolulu."
He attributed their success to constant training and preparation.
Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders were notified at 1:32 p.m. Friday of the situation. When the rudder became disabled, the vessel began drifting towards Oahu.
Since those aboard the vessel were not in immediate danger, the Coast Guard diverted the Cutter Oliver Berry at 6:45 p.m. to tow the Lucky and the mariners to Honolulu.
They arrived at 2:30 a.m. Saturday just outside Honolulu, and the tow was performed by Station Honolulu's 45-foot response boat.
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