Red flare ‘extremely helpful’ in jet-skier rescue
07/09/2021
A red flare was “extremely helpful” in alerting US search and rescue teams to an overdue jet-skier off Maui, Hawaii.
US Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received reports of a flare early one morning towards the end of August, according to a report on U.S. Coast Guard Hawaii Pacific’s Facebook page.
The jet skier was reported to be in the vicinity of Mokulehua Gulch, around two nautical miles north of Nahiku.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew, an HC-130 Hercules aircrew, and also a Station Maui Response Boat-Medium crew were immediately launched.
Maui County Fire Department also launched its Air 1 helicopter aircrew and personnel on the ground.
The Hercules aircrew arrived on the scene and located the overdue jet-ski operator. They also reported the location to the Dolphin aircrew, who deployed a rescue swimmer. They hoisted the jet-ski operator onto the helicopter. He was then safely transported to the emergency medical services at Kahului Airport.
Sam Gardner, a Sector Honolulu search and rescue coordinator, says, “This case highlights the importance of having a float plan in place and having your safety equipment in good condition. The use of the flare was extremely helpful in making it known that he was in distress which led to a quick response from all of the parties involved.”
