Discover the Manukai: Ratings & Maritime News

In a dramatic rescue operation, the crew of the s/v "Walkabout," consisting of three individuals, were successfully retrieved by the container ship "Manukai" while en route from Los Angeles to Honolulu. The rescue mission took place on August 11, when the crew of the stricken yacht had endured 24 harrowing hours fighting the fierce conditions caused by Hurricane Julio, located 414 miles northeast of Oahu. The rescued crew members include 61-year-old Ben Nealy, along with 22-year-olds Lee Nealy and Mike Vanway. Their 42-foot sailboat, which was making its way from Stockton, California to Honolulu, had suffered a dismasting and was taking on water. The U.S. Coast Guard had closely monitored the situation, deploying a C-130 Hercules aircraft to keep an eye on the distressed sailboat until the arrival of the "Manukai." As the container ship approached the "Walkabout" at approximately 10 p.m. on August 10, initial attempts to send a life raft proved futile due to treacherous sea conditions. Determined to ensure safety, the crew of the "Manukai" decided to halt rescue efforts until daylight broke the following morning. At around 7:52 a.m., they were able to successfully reach the three crew members. Utilizing a well-coordinated maneuver, they shot a line to the beleaguered sailboat and brought it alongside. The trio then ascended a 30-foot ladder draped over the hull of the "Manukai," overcoming the challenging 20 mph winds and 13-foot seas that persisted at the time. Meanwhile, the "Walkabout," left adrift with shredded sails, has become a navigational hazard, prompting the Coast Guard to issue a warning to mariners in the area. The "Manukai," having rerouted an impressive 276 miles to aid in the rescue, is on track to arrive in Honolulu by 5 a.m. on August 12. For more on the rescue, check out the footage available at [this link](http://www.dvidshub.net/video/354790/sailboat-caught-hurricane-julio#.U-nD2GNBlsl).

On August 10, 2014, the container ship 'Manukai' made a critical diversion to assist the disabled sailing vessel 'Walkabout', which found itself in dire straits approximately 414 miles northeast of Oahu amidst the raging Hurricane Julio. With three people onboard, 'Walkabout' was taking on water and in serious jeopardy due to extreme conditions featuring winds reaching 92 to 115 mph and towering 30-foot seas. Reports indicated that one of the hatches had been blown away, and the vessel’s bilge pumps struggled to manage the flooding. In a further complication, the life raft was also lost overboard. At approximately 7:15 a.m., watchstanders at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) in Honolulu were alerted by the International Emergency Response Coordination Center in Texas regarding a distress signal from 'Walkabout' asking for assistance from the Coast Guard. Promptly, the JRCC redirected an airplane from the National Hurricane Center, designated Teal 76, to pinpoint the location of 'Walkabout' and establish VHF radio communications. By 10:49 a.m., Teal 76 confirmed that 'Walkabout' was sending out Mayday calls. Subsequently, an HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Barbers Point was dispatched at 11:10 a.m. to deliver a much-needed life raft and take over for Teal 76. This remarkable rescue operation showcased the quick response and dedication of maritime rescue teams in the face of life-threatening challenges.

On November 7, 2013, the container ship Manukai made a significant discovery, locating the abandoned sailing vessel C:Drive approximately 1,600 miles west of Oahu. The Coast Guard swiftly boarded the Honolulu-based sailboat, only to find it completely empty. The vessel's skipper, Greg Stephanoff, has been unaccounted for since October 2, when he embarked from the Ala Wai Boat Harbor, intending to reach Hanalei Bay on Kauai. Two days later, a concerned friend reported him missing. When the crew aboard the Manukai encountered the derelict sailboat, they attempted to establish communication via VHF channel 16 and signaled with the ship’s whistle, but no one responded. Unable to board the vessel, the Manukai continued on its route while notifying the Coast Guard of the find. The Coast Guard Cutter Kukui, a 225-foot buoy tender based in Honolulu, was deployed to investigate further. After a four-day journey, the crew reached the C:Drive on the afternoon of November 15. Upon boarding, they discovered a GPS unit and various personal belongings, which are currently being assessed. The 42-foot Catalina sloop, adorned with noticeable paint, was found drifting, raising concerns about the fate of its skipper.