Three adults are safe after being rescued Sunday from a vessel that ran out of fuel 21 miles northwest of Kailua-Kona. Several Coast Guard crews responded, took the vessel in tow and returned them safely to Kawaihae harbor. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard)

MEDIA RELEASE

Three adults are safe after being rescued Sunday morning from a recreational vessel that ran out of fuel 21 miles northwest of Kailua-Kona.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received a call from a friend of the vessel’s crew, notifying Coast Guard watchstanders that the 21-foot pleasure craft was running out of fuel.

A Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat Medium crew from Station Maui, a HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska were launched to the scene.

The aircrew arrived on scene at 5:15 p.m., and dropped provisions, flares and a radio in a watertight container and was able to establish communications with the vessel’s captain.

At 7:10 p.m., the response boat crew took the vessel in tow and returned them safely to Kawaihae harbor.

The Coast Guard strongly encourages boaters to remain aware of their vessel’s fuel capacity and other limitations while operating offshore of the Hawaiian Islands.

Filing float plans, installing a VHF marine band radio and frequently checking safety equipment like flares and life jackets can greatly increase your survival in an emergency or help avoid an emergency altogether.

For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org