Three divers in distress were rescued yesterday on Mokunui island off Lanikai, the Honolulu Fire Department reported.

Fire Capt. Earl Kealoha said an alarm was received at 1:58 p.m., and that three divers with two kayaks had lost one of the kayaks to high winds.

"I guess the winds and rains that were going on had taken it out," said Kealoha. "So, they were calling for help. But within 15 minutes a Boston Whaler out there was able to retrieve the divers and bring them in."

CREW AIRLIFTED OFF SHIP RUN AGROUND

The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted three men from a disabled sailing vessel approximately 4 1/2 miles east of Moloka'i on Friday night.

The master of the 40-foot No Hurries reported to the Coast Guard at 9 p.m. that his vessel had run aground east of Hale O Lono Harbor in a surf zone.

A Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point was on scene within an hour and hoisted the three men to safety. The rescued crew were taken to Barbers Point and released to Honolulu emergency medical services personnel.

The vessel remained anchored and grounded with no pollution threats, the Coast Guard said yesterday in a news release. No injuries were reported by either the remaining crew members or to the three men airlifted off the sailing vessel.