Mokihana Rescues Motor Yacht Crew

When Capt. Peter Spencer took the helm for the first time as Mokihana master, he imagined an ordinary first voyage, but it was not meant to be.

At approximately 4:15 p.m. PST on Monday, September 18, the Honolulu-bound Mokihana was contacted by the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Honolulu, having received a distress call from the Motor Yacht (M/Y) Eden Bound and its two-person crew. A failed stern seal and a seized propeller shaft left Eden Bound immobile.

Captain Spencer diverted course to Eden Bound’s last reported position and made radio contact with the crew at approximately 8:30 p.m.

“Communications via VHF and satellite phone were very spotty, and communication was difficult,” Spencer explained. “Prior communication with the vessel had all been through JRCC Honolulu, who had reported that Eden Bound was dead in the water and unable to maneuver. The crew was under duress and had decided to abandon the vessel.”

At 11:30 p.m., Mokihana successfully passed a heaving line to Eden Bound and brought the vessel alongside. Its crew was safely brought aboard Mokihana shortly after midnight, and Eden Bound was cut loose. Mokihana then resumed its voyage to Honolulu with two thankful passengers.

Bravo Zulu, Captain Spencer and the crew of Mokihana!