In a boating accident, it’s difficult to say what the most
important piece of equipment can be. Is it a first aid kit to take
care of anyone who was injured? Is it the PFDs that operators
and passengers need to stay afloat after a collision? Is it a fire
extinguisher that can subdue a boat fire resulting from a
leaking fuel line? Is it a VHF radio that can send out a MAYDAY
distress call for the Coast Guard or other marine safety patrol
to respond? Is it a bilge pump that can keep up with rising
waters after a vessel starts taking on water from a leak or
rough seas. Naturally, all these pieces of equipment are
important, whether a boating accident occurs or not. That was
recently demonstrated when two fishermen found themselves
in an ordeal on the water two miles north of Kahului, Maui.

They were aboard a 21 foot recreational vessel named
Kakaloa. There were two people on the vessel when it started
to take on water shortly before 8:00 on Wednesday, November
20, 2013. A call went out from the Maui Fire Department to
watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Maui. The captain of the
recreational vessel told his rescuers that the bilge pump was
pumping out water. However, he was uncertain as to how long
the pump would last.

An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was made on
Channel 16 of the VHF marine radio, notifying vessels in the
vicinity of the emergency. The Coast Guard station launched a
25 foot response boat. This was joined by a rescue helicopter
from the Fire Department. Fortunately, both of the fishermen
aboard the recreational vessel were wearing their life jackets
and no injuries were reported. Once the 25 foot vessel arrived
on the scene, it proceeded to dewater the stricken boat. Read
more about the accident and see photos by clicking http:
//www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1977694/Coast-Guard-
rescues-mariners-in-distress-near-Kahului-Maui .

Everyone is thankful for the quick thinking and brave actions of
all involved, including the Coast Guard’s boat crews and Fire
Department’s helicopter crews. Their immediate actions are
commended. About the original question, it’s difficult to say
which single piece of equipment is most important.
Emergencies on the water can arise for a number of reasons
(see causes of accidents ). In this accident, we saw that the
bilge pump was crucial to keep the pleasure boat from
sinking. The VHF radio was crucial in transmitting the distress
call. The life preservers were on hand to keep the two
fishermen afloat had the boat gone under. It shows that all
safety equipment can be critically important, whether in a
boating accident or other emergency on the water.



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