On September 21, 2025, the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) received a 911 call at 10:50 a.m. for boaters in distress offshore of the Wailupe area and responded with 7 units with 22 personnel. The first unit arrived at the onshore scene at 10:56 p.m. to investigate and make visual contact with the disabled vessel.

It was reported that a 13-foot vessel, located approximately one mile offshore, was taking on water with three souls onboard. The vessel eventually capsized, leaving the three boaters to tread water in the ocean. Fortunately, all three of them were wearing their personal flotation devices and were assisted by Good Samaritan surfers who rendered aid.

The Ocean Safety Department (OSD) rescue skis arrived at the vessel’s side at 11:08 a.m. One of the OSd rescue skis transported the three boaters to shore while the other OSD rescue ski remained with the disabled vessel to ensure it did not run aground on the reef. The HFD’s Rescue 2 boat arrived at the ocean scene at 11:22 a.m., began to right the capsized vessel, bailed out as much water as they could, and rigged a rope system for towing purposes. The disabled vessel was towed safely to Maunalua Bay Boat Ramp at 12:45 p.m.

All HFD personnel were accounted for with no reports of injuries.