S.O.S. Written on Hawaii Beach Prompts Rescue

Posted by Eric Haun December 22, 2014

A MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point poses with a person they rescued Dec. 19, 2014, while on a routine patrol off Kauai. They were contacted by a tour helicopter on VHF radio channel 16 about an SOS marking written on the beach in the sand. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

A swimmer in distress was rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) helicopter after being swept out to sea near Hanakapiai Beach, Kauai, Friday.

A MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was on a routine mission when they received notification by radio from a tour helicopter that S.O.S. was written in the sand on a nearby beach.

The Dolphin crew diverted to the area and began searching for any signs of distress. They noticed a male had been pulled off the shore by a rip current and was in need of immediate assistance. They lowered the rescue basket and the swimmer was able to safely climb in before being hoisted into the helicopter.

The man was flown to Lihue Airport where he was transferred to awaiting EMS for further evaluation.