LAPIS ARROW

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Search for missing single hand sailor

The "Athens Star" and the Bahama-flagged "Lapis Arrow" have diverted to assist the Coast Guard which was coordinating the search for a mariner in distress aboard the 24-foot sailboat "Pier Pressure" approximately 944 miles northeast of the main Hawaiian Islands. On Feb 27, 2014, at 8:47 a.m., watchstanders at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center received notification from a concerned friend that the vessel’s owner, Rimas Meleshyus, transmitted a text via satellite stating, “I lost my life raft, in danger now.” Meleshyus departed Hilo, Hawaii, Feb. 9 on a solo voyage to San Francisco aboard his vessel. Attempts were made to establish communications with Meleshyus via cell phone, computer and satellite device. At 10:32 a.m., an HC-130 Hercules aircraft crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu diverted from a training mission and is enroute to the vessel's last known position.The flight to the "Pier Pressure"'s last known position is approximately four hours. The Coast Guard Cutter "Kukui", a 225-foot buoy tender homeported in Honolulu was also diverted to assist in the search. The Coast Guard also requested, through the Federal Aviation Administration, that aircraft passing through the area remain alert for any signs of distress. Weather conditions at the last known position of the Pier Pressure are gale force winds and seas of 20 feet.