Alakai - A steering failure floods a catamaran off Kaua‘i — her single-hander is hoisted off minutes before she sinks
The 35-foot recreational catamaran Alakai was crossing from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i when she lost steering and began flooding. Her lone skipper reached the Coast Guard by text message; a helicopter hoisted him about 23 miles offshore and flew him to Līhu‘e, unhurt. The catamaran sank soon after.
What happened.
On Sunday 12 July 2026, the 35-foot recreational catamaran Alakai lost her steering and began flooding while crossing from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i. Her lone skipper reached the Coast Guard by text message, warning that she might sink. A Coast Guard helicopter hoisted him about 23 miles offshore and flew him to Līhu‘e, where he was checked and released unhurt. The catamaran sank shortly after the rescue.
A steering failure and a flooded hull are a dangerous pair, and on Sunday 12 July 2026 they came together for the Alakai, a 35-foot recreational catamaran on passage from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i. She lost the ability to steer and began taking on water, and at six in the evening her owner — alone aboard — got a report through to Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. What kept him connected was not a radio but a phone: watchstanders held a conversation with him by text message as he told them the boat was flooding and he feared she would sink. The Coast Guard moved fast, launching an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point and a 45-foot response boat from Station Kaua‘i. About 23 miles offshore, the helicopter crew hoisted the man from his sinking catamaran and flew him to Līhu‘e Airport, where paramedics checked him and released him with no injuries. The catamaran sank soon after the hoist — with 30 to 40 gallons of diesel, two batteries, and several gallons of oil aboard — and the cause is under investigation. It is a clean escape from a boat that did not survive, and a reminder that offshore, the ways you can reach help and the ways you can steer a crippled boat are what buy you time.
What it teaches.
- 1This skipper was saved because he could reach the Coast Guard — here, by text message when voice wasn't working. Carry more than one way to call for help: a VHF, a phone, and offshore a satellite messenger or EPIRB. Keep them charged and within reach, and know how to send your position clearly.
- 2A steering casualty can quickly become a flooding emergency, and a flooding boat gives you little time. Know where water can enter, keep bilge pumps and a bailer ready, and check your through-hulls before you sail. Alone aboard, decide early: if you cannot win against the water, call for help while you still can.
- 3Alakai lost her steering mid-channel and could no longer manage the boat. Before a coastal or offshore passage, rig and test an emergency way to steer — an emergency tiller, a drogue on a bridle, or a sweep — so a steering failure leaves you slowed, not helpless, while you sort out the bigger problem.
Where this comes from.
SeaWise indexes and links to primary sources; it does not host their reports or media. Crew are referred to by role unless documented consent is on file.
Procedures involved.
More like this.
Share your story.
SeaWise records are richer when survivors and crewmates contribute what they remember. Submissions are private by default — your name and contact never appear on the public record.
Submit a story