Dad and 2 Sons Rescued After Clinging to Capsized Boat for 5 Hours as Coast Guard Searched to Find Them

A father and his two sons were rescued after their boat capsized off the coast of Hawaii, authorities said.

Officials received a mayday call from the dad at 12:10 p.m. local time on on Saturday, Oct. 26, the US Coast Guard said in a news release. The man reported that his boat had capsized, but did not give his location or any other helpful details.

A helicopter and an airplane began searching for the boat and its occupants in the waters west of Maui, south of Lanai and west of Kaho’olawe. About five hours later, the helicopter crew spotted the capsized 16-foot boat about seven miles south of Manele Harbor, the Coast Guard said.

The man, 42, and two boys, ages 8 and 12, were found "clinging to the hull" and not wearing life jackets.

In a video released by the Coast Guard, a rescue swimmer was able to hoist all three into the helicopter by basket — with the children going first — and they were all transported to Kahului Airport in Maui.

The man later reported to authorities that his boat had capsized after being hit by a wave.

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While no injuries were reported, the Coast Guard cautioned about the importance of being prepared in such emergencies. At the time of the rescue, winds were about 9 mph with waves 3-5 feet high.

“Carrying a handheld marine radio allows you to notify first responders if you end up in the water or separated from your vessel,”  said Lt. Zachary Kayser, command duty officer, Sector Honolulu command center. “We recommend all boaters wear life jackets when underway. Emergencies unfold quickly and may not allow enough time to find and fasten a life jacket.”