By Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Fire/rescue crews responded to a 6:53 a.m. alarm Tuesday (May 3) to assist the Coast Guard in rescuing a man and his sailboat about 11 miles northeast of Hawaii Island.

The lone male sailor aboard the 30 foot sailboat, with no motorized power, had contacted the Coast Guard via marine band radio saying his sail had become disabled and he was not able to steer the boat. The man said he had not had any food or drink for three days.

Because a Coast Guard cutter had an estimated arrival time of 10 hours the Hawaii Fire Department’s Rescue Boat and crew was requested to assist. The rescue boat’s crew was able to reach the sailboat at 2:37 p.m. and towed the sailboat into Hilo Bay. The sailor did not need medical attention and was reported to be in good spirits according to a fire dispatch report. Fire/rescue crews were back in their station by 4:45 p.m.