Date: Feb. 1, 2008
Contact:
Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Clayton
(808) 541-2121/2122

COAST GUARD RESCUES DOWNED PILOT

HONOLULU - Oahu-based Coast Guard crews rescued a downed Hawaii Air National Guard pilot about 60 miles south of Oahu today at approximately 2:15 p.m.

Three rescue aircraft crews from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard cutter Ahi, an 87-foot patrol boat, immediately responded to the incident, which occurred at 1:37 p.m. The Coast Guard was notified at 1:45 p.m. concerning the distress.

A crewmember aboard one of the rescue helicopters hoisted the pilot and transferred him to The Queen's Medical Center at approximately 3 p.m. The pilot was reported to be in good condition.

Crewmembers from the cutter Ahi, the cutter Kukui, a 225-foot buoy tender, and Coast Guard aircraft crews will stay on scene to check for pollution and debris.

For more information about the Coast Guard's response or to request interviews with the rescue helicopter crew, please contact Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Clayton at 808-541-2121 or 541-2122.

For information regarding the reported incident, please contact the Hawaii Air National Guard at 808-733-4258.

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