By Star-Advertiser Staff

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Honolulu Fire Department personnel and Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards, with an assist from surfers, responded to a report of a disabled vessel off Wailupe today and rescued three people who were treading water in the ocean after the boat capsized.

HFD received a 911 call about boaters in distress at 10:50 a.m. and dispatched seven units staffed with 22 personnel, according to a news release. The first unit arrived at the onshore scene at 10:56 a.m. to investigate and make visual contact with the disabled 13-foot vessel, which was taking on water about a mile offshore.

The vessel eventually capsized, forcing the three people aboard to enter the water. HFD said the trio were all wearing personal flotation devices and were assisted by surfers who were nearby and came to render aid.

Ocean Safety lifeguards on rescue skis arrived at the vessel’s side at 11:08 a.m., with one rescue ski transporting the three boaters to shore while the other remained with the disabled vessel to ensure it didn’t run aground on the reef, the release said.

HFD’s Rescue 2 boat arrived at 11:22 a.m., began to right the capsized vessel, bailed out as much water as possible and attached a rope system for towing. The disabled vessel was towed to the Maunalua Bay Boat Ramp at 12:45 p.m.