Multiple distress calls were received by U. S. Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay late Sunday morning from the captain of private sailing vessel approximately 80 miles west of Eureka just before noon.
The captain of the S/V Aqua Star reported the he was experiencing 15 foot seas with 35 knot winds and that he needed immediate assistance as his vessels condition was quickly deteriorating.
Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay immediately recalled a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from training and dispatched them to the scene.
The aircrew then hoisted the passenger from the sailboat to the helicopter at 4:30pm and began their transit back to Air Station Humboldt Bay.
The aircrew dropped the passenger off at Air Station Humboldt Bay around 5:15pm The passenger was reported to have no injuries.
The sailboat’s last reported position is reported to be approximately 80 miles west of Eureka.
