Hawaii Fire Department personnel rescued a man late Monday afternoon whose 70-foot sailing vessel bound from Los Angeles to Hilo ran aground at the foot of sheer cliffs between the Wainaku scenic point outlook and Honolii Beach Park.
According to a written statement, five units, including a rescue boat and a county helicopter, responded to the 5:33 p.m. alarm, with the first unit arriving at 5:44 p.m.
The only crew member aboard told authorities the boat ran aground after being slammed by waves in rough surf after 34 days at sea.
A fire rescue specialist from Waiakea station was lowered from the helicopter onto the deck of the vessel, which was teetering on the rocks and being slammed by waves. The man was safely extricated from the boat by use of a Billy Pugh net and, after being examined by a fire medic, refused further medical attention.