State briefs for July 6

Boaters rescued while helping in search for missing fishermen

HONOLULU (AP) — Coast Guard crews looking for three missing fishermen off Oahu had to rescue three boaters helping in the search.

The agency says a helicopter crew plucked the boaters from the ocean Monday night, and a fourth man swam to shore. Their 30-foot boat sank off the North Shore as they towed the fishermen’s adrift vessel.

One of the four boaters was treated for hypothermia, but there were no other injuries.

The Coast Guard has been searching for the fishermen since they were reported overdue Monday. Crews spotted their overturned vessel.

The agency says the boaters tried to tow it and sent a mayday call as they capsized.

Militaries gather for maritime exercises

PEARL HARBOR (AP) — Military forces from 26 nations are gathering in Hawaii this month for the world’s largest maritime exercises.

The Rim of the Pacific drills are drawing together 45 ships, 200 aircraft and more than 25,000 people from several nations including the United States, Japan, South Korea and Australia. China also is participating for the second time.

Troops will practice skills including clearing mines, hunting for submarines and delivering amphibious forces ashore. The exercises last through Aug. 4.

Officials: Event leads to underage drinking

HONOLULU (AP) — Authorities with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources say the flotilla, or Floatopia, that drew about a thousand people to Waikiki waters led to reports of underage drinking, alcohol illnesses and officers assisting numerous boaters.

Officials said in a release that about 300 people were helped by officers back to shore. Two juveniles were hospitalized with alcohol poisoning.

Officers also escorted numerous young people, some underage, who were drinking on a boat back to shore. The boat also didn’t have enough life preservers.

And officers ordered an overloaded catamaran with at least 50 people on deck to return to shore.