Tiger
Too, a 19-foot recreational boat, is en route to two divers marked by
smoke flares approximately eight miles east of Leleiwi Point, Big
Island, June 6, 2015, after strong currents pulled them four miles from
their original entry point. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jim
Morrow)
JUNE 6, 2015
HONOLULU, HAWAII
Two divers are safe ashore after strong currents pulled them eight miles east of Leleiwi Point, Big Island, Saturday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center received
notification at 10:22 a.m. of two divers missing from 19-foot
recreational boat Tigger Too.
An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew diverted from a scheduled mission at
10:35 a.m. to begin a search. The Hercules crew located the missing
divers four miles from their original location and dropped two smoke
flares. Their location was then relayed to the boat’s captain who was
able to rescue them. Both men are reported to be in good condition.
Ocean currents around the Main Hawaiian Islands can be extremely
hazardous and can quickly overcome even the most skilled swimmers. At
the onset of high surf and severe weather these conditions can become
even more dangerous.
The Coast Guard advises all ocean-goers to check
weather conditions before heading out, never go out alone, file a float
plan and know their limits.