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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:36 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2009

Coast Guard rescues three divers in boat capsize off Ewa Beach

Advertiser Staff

A Coast Guard rescue boat saved three men after their 14-foot pleasure craft capsized while they were diving two miles off Ewa Beach this morning.

One of the three men called 911 using his waterproof cell phone and the call was relayed to Honolulu Fire Department dispatchers, who alerted the Coast Guard's 24-hour command center in Honolulu.

The crew aboard the 110-foot patrol boat Kiska was sent to the scene, but a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew was able to pull the three divers aboard quickly at about 10 a.m.

"The entire operation went smoothly," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Tobosa, the coxswain of the motor lifeboat. "We got to them quickly and were able to get them to safety because of quick thinking, a speedy response and great teamwork between our command center, the Kiska and the Honolulu Fire Department."

Due to the high seas and strong winds, the Kiska led the 47-foot motor lifeboat crew back to Honolulu Harbor, making it easier for the smaller boat to proceed through wind and waves and get back to Sand Island faster.

The rescue divers reported no injuries, and the divers were taken ashore at Coast Guard Station Honolulu at 11 a.m.