There were some very sad reports in April 2025 about a Fisherman who went missing off of South Point on the Big Island. His boat was described as a 23-foot Force, white hull, light blue cabin, and powered by twin outboard motors. As of the time of writing, the Coast Guard had suspended the operation, but the community was still actively looking for him as the search and rescue did not turn up any signs of his boat or debris leading the family to think he was still adrift. We can only hope he has been located since and our thoughts go out to everyone affected.

As tragic as an event this is, it provides us with a chance to educate and protect our boating community from getting into situations like this. There are a few ways to mitigate the risks of boating and increase your chances of survival in rough Hawaiian waters, but the most important piece of equipment any boater can have in their kit is an EPIRB- known as an Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon. This is a small handheld waterproof battery-operated SOS beacon which relays your position to the Coast Guard.

-Carefully choose the day and place to go boating and check local wind, weather, wave, and condition reports.

Sites such as Windy.com are very user friendly with mobile apps and color overlays for wind waves, clouds, rain, etc. University of Hawaii PacIOOS and NOAA are also great resources. Consider checking the live wind conditions or observations to see if the forecast is accurate. Being in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, our conditions and weather can change suddenly and the timing of the forecast specifically can be incorrect. The Channels between the Islands and some corners of the islands (On Oahu such as Makapuu and KaenaPoint) can be treacherous. On rough days it is advisable to avoid these areas and even on calm days extreme caution should be exercised.

-Ensure your vessel is in seaworthy shape and is equipped to handle the sea conditions.

Thru-hulls and shaft logs are typical places for heavy water intrusion that could lead to a sinking, as well as any large plumbing hoses,which should all be double hose clamped. Ensure all your bilge pumps are operational and the bilge is free of any debris that could become clogged in your dewatering pumps. Make sure your engine(s) have been recently serviced,your batteries are charged, and your gas has not been sitting.  

-File a float plan with a friend.

Float plans are primarily comprised of what, who, and where.What? Description of the vessel and navigation/safety equipment onboard and even a photo of the boat. Who? Passenger list and contact information. Where? Departure date/time, destination and time frame, proposed route and activities planned.

https://floatplancentral.cgaux.org

-Obtain and carry the correct safety equipment

           -USCG Signaling Device via Satellite (EPIRB or PLB w/ < 3 year old battery)

           -Visual Signaling Devices (Flares, Smoke, Mirror)
           -Audio Signaling Devices(Waterproof Handheld VHF Radio)

           -Lifejackets or Liferaft

-Sized wooden plugs or bungs and potentially a rubber mallet to plug any failed thru hulls

See you on the water!

Sean Doyle