Hawaiian 'Rescue 21 System First Mayday Call Saves Fisherman

A fisherman is safe after his 48-foot boat capsized and sank approximately 15 miles south of Oahu thanks to USCG Rescue 21 System

The mariner was able to transmit a mayday call on VHF channel 16 which was received by Coast Guard search and rescue coordinators at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. He was also able to active an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon which transmitted his position. Additionally, the location of the VHF transmission was calculated using the newly installed Rescue 21 system, which triangulates the position of any VHF broadcast originating near the Hawaii Islands.

This mayday call was the first received using the Coast Guard’s new Rescue 21 technology in the Hawaiian Islands. By harnessing global positioning and cutting-edge communications technology, Rescue 21 enables the Coast Guard to perform all missions with greater agility and efficiency.

Crews aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Station Honolulu, and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point were launched to assist. The RB-M arrived and safely rescued the fisherman. He was transferred to awaiting EMS at Honolulu Harbor for further treatment.

The fishing vessel Robin 2008 capsized and reportedly sank. At this time, there are no signs of pollution.