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Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak assisted four mariners aboard the disabled 38-foot sailing vessel Shyska 180 nautical miles off Hawaii Island on Wednesday.

Sector Honolulu watchstanders received the report at 9:04 a.m. Saturday. The crew said Shyska was disabled 180 nautical miles northeast of Hawaii Island after rudder damage. They reported they were in good health, had emergency supplies for several days, their sails had been battered in a recent storm, and the engine was inoperable.

Sector Honolulu put the vessel on a communication schedule, issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, and sent an Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules aircrew and Joseph Gerczak to assist.

Joseph Gerczak arrived Sunday and began towing Shyska toward Honolulu. During the transit, the cutter crew passed tools and fuel to the boaters, who made repairs at sea and continued under their own power. The operation took place in seas over 10 feet and winds above 20 mph.

Joseph Gerczak then escorted Shyska toward port, and Sector Honolulu continued to monitor the vessel until it arrived safely at Ala Wai Harbor on Oahu at 3:00 p.m.