Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Aqualeader

On January 31, 2023, the tanker "Aqualeader" played a crucial role in a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation off the coast of Monterey, California. Responding to a distress signal from a personal locator beacon, the United States Coast Guard's 11th District Command Center received the alert around 8 a.m. Following the signal, a C17 transport aircraft, flying under Oakland Center Control, spotted the compromised 65-foot sailing vessel, "Flyin' Hawaiian," approximately 120 miles from shore. Upon confirmation that the vessel was taking on water, the Coast Guard promptly dispatched resources to the scene, including an HC-130H Hercules aircrew from Air Station Sacramento. While not able to directly evacuate anyone, the "Aqualeader" was strategically diverted from 24 miles away to provide vital support by shielding the "Flyin' Hawaiian" from challenging seas and winds. In a coordinated effort, helicopter rescue crews from both Air Station San Francisco and Air Station Los Angeles were mobilized, ultimately completing the successful rescue of five individuals from the beleaguered sailing vessel. This event emphasizes the critical collaboration between maritime vessels and the Coast Guard in emergency situations.